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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 7845881" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong><em>The Crying Game. - 11/3/2019</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>In times of crisis, we turn to our comforts for relief. Friends. Family. Faith. Drink even. </em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>But sometimes, that isn’t enough. You have to have the strength and will to look at yourself, to gaze within to find the answers to the toughest questions, to reflect and realize what changes you should make, to submit and allow yourself to make the greatest sacrifices.</em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em></em></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>But knowing it isn’t enough. You still need the guts to <strong>do</strong> it. And I think that is where most of us fail. </em></p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p>“Iesa!” I leaned over towards the man, “The crying stopped.”</p><p></p><p>He cocked his head to listen, and then frowned. “Yeah, we better move. I can’t imagine that’s a good sign.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m as ready as I can be,” Daneath said readying his shield and sword.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s do the same thing as before,” Iesa said.</p><p></p><p>“What? Listen at the door and smash it on the way in?”</p><p></p><p>“No! Turn me invisible. Let you guys draw the attention.”</p><p></p><p>I shrug and replied, “Why not?”</p><p></p><p>“What if I need to hide!” Beepu said with a note of concern.</p><p></p><p>“Turn into a rock. You’re good at that!” Iesa pointed out.</p><p></p><p>Beepu was about to object, when he realized the truth. “True, it has worked quite a bit.”</p><p></p><p>“Fine,” I said. “Make him disappear, and Daneath and I will appear to be in front. You watch our rears as a stone.”</p><p></p><p>Iesa smiled, looking forward to hiding without trying, and in a moment and a quick word from Beepu, he vanished.</p><p></p><p>“You know,” Daneath commented. “We don’t have to make him reappear.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m right here bro.”</p><p></p><p>“Can you do that Beepu? I won’t tell him.”</p><p></p><p>“Damn it, I know you can hear me!” Iesa sputtered.</p><p></p><p>“True,” I commented. “But all he’s going to do when he finds out is sing the “Frog and Firkin” in your ear. Forever.”</p><p></p><p>“Might be worth it…” Daneath said mischievously.</p><p></p><p>“Can you focus for a moment!” the bodiless Iesa spat.</p><p></p><p>“Well I do not know what Iesa would say, but we should finish our work here.” Beepu deadpanned. “Let us go.”</p><p></p><p>“Why you…oh funny. Ha. Ha.” Iesa muttered.</p><p></p><p>I moved to the door and cast a thought out;</p><p></p><p><em>Anything going on out there?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--I haven’t seen anything other than that modron.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Its not really a modron.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Fine. Not a modron. Still nothing.</em></p><p></p><p>“Let’s go, its clear.” And I moved to the door, following Daneath. The warrior opened the door and after looking around, headed towards his right, following the line of torches that continued into the depths. I could hear for a brief moment, Iesa scrambling ahead, but soon he was moving silently ahead. Beepu trailed behind me, and both of our familiars stayed close.</p><p></p><p>As we moved down the shaft, I reached into my pouch and pulled out a bit of wire, and coiled it around my index finger. I twisted it round and round and plucked at a white strand and then whispered under my breath, as I pointed down where I thought Iesa went.</p><p></p><p><em>“Iesa? Can you hear me? If so, whisper back.”</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>“What the? Yes…this a new trick?”</em></p><p></p><p>I smiled to myself. <em>“Something I learned yes. I’ll keep reaching out to you as we go. No one but me can hear you whisper back.”</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>“That’s a help. Will do. The shaft winds a bit, but I see it opening up into another large area.”</em></p><p></p><p>I nodded, “Iesa says that it opens up into a large cavern ahead, so be ready.”</p><p></p><p>“What? How did—” Daneath whispered at me.</p><p></p><p>“Ah! I see what you did there.” Beepu pointed at the wire I was working with my fingers. “A good spell. We will talk later.”</p><p></p><p><em>“Iesa?” I whispered.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>“Not good. I found a bunch of cages with prisoners. And I found Alanathia. Might need help.”</em></p><p></p><p>“Sodding Baator,” I said. “Looks like we are expected.”</p><p></p><p>“I’ll follow your lead then Myr,” Daneath said.</p><p></p><p>“I am going to watch our rears then. Listen for loud yelling.” Said Beepu.</p><p></p><p><em>Gos, stay low and out of sight, keep an eye out.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--For…what exactly?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Stuff that can’t be seen.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Like the guy with the monkey?</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Yes...no…yes, like him, but not him. Other things. Don’t get caught in a fight and let me focus.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Ok…can do.</em></p><p></p><p>I nodded, and I took the lead and moved forward. I kept my back pressed against the wall as I came closer to where the tunnel spilled into the room and peeked inside. The shaft opened up into a large carved gallery. Here the marks of chisels and picks were left like scars on the rock walls. Piles of rubble and tailing were scattered across the ground. Each near a rail, as if the next mine cart would arrive, ready to move them up to the surface. Near the rails, were simple wooden cages. Within each I could see figures lying down motionless, unable or unwilling to move. No sounds came from the occupants within, and I worried that there were none living. Between the cages, here and there on the floor were shallow puddles of still water, from a rain long ago that seeped below the earth. But these puddles scattered the flickering light of torches coming from a far corner of the room. </p><p></p><p>There in that corner, stood the female hobgoblin. Her face was scarred, ritually on both cheeks, and her iron eyes stared towards me coolly, betraying neither anger nor fear. She was dressed in a light leather top and leggings, barely enough to keep brambles at bay. She wore no shoes, but ribbons of leather carefully wrapped to cover and protect her insoles, and in one hand, she held a simple dagger.</p><p></p><p>And that dagger was ever so close the neck of Alanathia. The elf’s leathers were dirty, and her arms were pulled behind her back, likely tied. She was on her bare knees on the rock floor, which showed signs of bleeding from cuts. Her hair was a disheveled mess, and her right eye socket was swollen shut from a blow. Her expression was stoic as she too looked down the tunnel towards us.</p><p></p><p>“So, the elves sent…you. How fortunate,” The hobgoblin’s voice rang out in precise clipped tones. All business, intelligent, and confident. This worried me; she easily handled Iesa <em>carrying</em> the elf on her back easily. She knew that we were here and outnumbered her. Was this bravado, or was it calculated? I decided to play for time and let Iesa move closer.</p><p></p><p>“Fortunate? That is an interesting way to describe this…arrangement. What do you want?”</p><p></p><p><em>“Iesa, I hope you are ready,” </em>I whispered into the weave, hoping he was nearing the hobgoblin.</p><p></p><p><em>“Just about. Prepped my blade with a surprise. Keep talking to her a bit longer,” </em>came the reply.</p><p></p><p>The hobgoblin’s sneering voice replied, “For our Prophesized One, there is nothing he wants or needs from the elves. They will be swept away, as we reclaim what is ours. But you? You and your companions are known to us.”</p><p></p><p>“I guess we should feel honored. What do you want then from…us?”</p><p></p><p>“<em>Iesa?” </em>I muttered in the weave again.</p><p></p><p><em>“Almost…”</em></p><p></p><p>“Right now, this is about what you want. You want this elf…leader,” the contempt was clear as she talked. “So, what I want is simple. One of you, for her.”</p><p></p><p>“What, a trade?” I said, playing up the incredulity. This didn’t make sense. Bargaining from weakness, as if she was in control? She either was a gambler or…she really was in control.”</p><p></p><p>“<em>Iesa?” </em>I whispered urgently.</p><p></p><p>“<em>Ready, charge in when I strike.”</em></p><p></p><p>“Of course. I am done with this one, but you value her. I value one of you. Choose, NOW!” and she raised her voice to a near shout, as if she was trying to order me like a soldier under her command.</p><p></p><p>“Alright, alright then! You win. I choose...” and I closed my eyes and hoped</p><p></p><p>“You.”</p><p></p><p>I heard the blade whistling in the air, and then the sound of it sinking deep into flesh and muscle. I could then see Iesa standing behind the hobgoblin, his dagger firmly lodged in her back with a wolfish smile that spoke volumes. The hobgoblin’s legs buckled, and she sank down, with an expression on her face that made my blood run cold. An arrogant smile followed by a mocking laugh.</p><p></p><p>“Myr watch out!” and suddenly Daneath shoved me into the room, while a shower of stone chips exploded behind me. I turned my head to look, and saw a large axe sunk deep into the stone, and now watched it wrenched free by its wielder, a large hulking bugbear. It great size was as surprising as its silence, even as it smiled to make another swing. From behind Daneath and the bugbear I could hear fire bolts striking rock, the sounds of hissing and snarling, and gnomish cursing.</p><p></p><p>I felt slow as I stumbled a bit forward to catch my balance. And as I looked at the bugbear, I watched as from a near by wall, a figure appeared and ran towards the warrior.</p><p></p><p>To my shock it was Alanathia who barreled straight for the large man and with her bare hands and feet struck Daneath over and over. She was a whirlwind of limbs, each finding gaps in Daneath defense and armor. Finally, on her last punch I could hear the sound of bones snapping, as she broke several ribs. </p><p></p><p>It didn’t make sense. Why was she attacking us? And then as I watched, Analthia’s face and clothing melted away, running off like sheets of water revealing the true opponent. </p><p></p><p>The hobgoblin woman.</p><p></p><p>The hunters were now the hunted.</p><p></p><p>Everything was slow as I ran into the room, with a guess and a fear. As I turned to look where Iesa stood, I could see him with horror on this face, as he withdrew his green, glowing dagger from the fallen figure, now on her knees. Her face and clothing were melting away too, and the hobgoblin’s form was replaced by the pain stricken elven leader, Alanathia. She then fell forward flat on the ground in a motionless heap.</p><p></p><p>“Go help D!” I shouted as I ran, but Iesa was already moving as we passed each other. I didn’t have much time; I had two things I could do, but I guessed I needed to save some power for the fight. I could only use the barest amount to save her. Putting too much into her, could mean death for everyone else. I remembered my mentor saying that triage in a battle was different than at the peace of a healer’s hut. That the decisions made had different weight. I heard it and processed it. But only now did I understand it.</p><p></p><p>I slid down on my knees next to Alanathia, and could see that she still breathed, if but barely. Iesa’s blade had sunk true and deep into her back. That alone should have been enough to kill most people, but I could see the greenish color of a tacky substance around the entrance to the wound; a type of poison. </p><p></p><p>I was taken aback; I didn’t know that Iesa even <strong><em>had</em></strong> poison, and I had no idea kind type it was. But as I knelt and laid a hand upon her, I reached into that small part of myself where I had some personal power that had nothing to do with the strands I usually pulled on. I felt the rush of energy down my back, the flexing of ephemeral wings, and I purged away the poison from her body and blood.</p><p></p><p>I heard more fighting from the tunnel; sword striking metal, and the sound of solid strikes against wet meat. Farther still, the blasts of magic and more swearing. But it was distant from my thoughts as I focused. The elf was barely breathing, and the blood still poured from her wound. I then pulled on a single light strand, hoping that this would be enough. I felt the energy pour from me, and into Alanathia’s wounds, and I watched as the bleeding slowed and stopped. Her breathing was shallow, but soft and regular. I was certain that she would live.</p><p></p><p><em>--Please don’t take her yet my lord. Not for this. Not for our mistake. My mistake!</em></p><p></p><p>I then turned my head to look at the melee just in time to see Daneath’s armored body, fall to the ground motionless, felled by the axe of the bugbear. The creature ripped it out of Daneath, and turned to face Iesa, who was fully engaged with the hobgoblin. His rapier had landed at least one good hit, based on the blood flowing from her side. But he was no longer making successful strikes and was focused instead on dodging and knocking away the hands and feet of the woman assailing him. As I watched, I saw him start to back around the gallery trying to position himself so only one attacker would be able to attack him. This might have worked with Daneath next to him, but now it was only a matter of time before one of them flanked him.</p><p></p><p>I had little left in me. But I was not going to the fugue again. Not after what we just did. I was going to atone with my actions now, and not beg for forgiveness later. I pulled on a pair of light strands within me and used them like a bowstring to launch power from myself.</p><p></p><p>I moved, closer to Daneath, and away from the injured Alanathia. I didn’t want her to be caught up defenseless if something were to go…more awry. I launched the energy into Daneath as I moved, who lay some distance from me. The energy would lose a lot of its effectiveness, but it would still close wounds, and hopefully wake him. But what I didn’t want, is to be obviously helping the warrior. Then I concentrated and a miasa of darkness surrounded both of Iesa’s attackers, and a toll of a bell rang in the mine.</p><p></p><p>Now I could hear the bugbear as it roared in pain and I watched it turn its head to focus on me. How it knew, it didn’t matter. I got what I wanted; its attention.</p><p></p><p>It snarled, and charged at me, grasping the axe with both hands ready to cut me down where I stood. I could feel the rock vibrate as twenty stones of muscle came bearing down on me. It raised its axe high overhead and it whistled as it cut through the air, down at me. I raised my shield up above my head trying to protect myself. The axe then came crashing down, and shattered my shield into pieces, and causing me to stagger backwards. My arm felt first sharp pain, and then a strong throbbing ache as I pulled it tight alongside me.</p><p></p><p>The bugbear snarled and raised its axe again, and I readied myself for the blow, when I saw the outline of orange light surround the bugbear. I then smelled burnt hair, as a bolt of fire streaked from the tunnel, and into its back. It whirled and howled and ran straight at Beepu, angry at the distraction. Beepu then swiftly darted around the corner, with the bugbear in close pursuit.</p><p></p><p>Iesa was holding his own, but the hobgoblin kept swinging, and could land a single blow, for every three she threw. But that was more than Iesa who’s blows weren’t nearly as effective as his opponent. Had it continued for longer, Iesa likely would have made a mistake, and pay the price.</p><p></p><p>So, it was then, that Daneath charged in; he was loud, and he crashed into the hobgoblin, who was surprised to see her fallen opponent now fully committed to killing her. She turned her head and started to position herself to handle this new assault. And that was all it took.</p><p></p><p>She took her eyes from the tired looking Iesa, who quickly spun and thrust into her backside, sinking deep into her vitals. I watched her stiffen and cough up a large amount of blood, before collapsing onto the ground.</p><p></p><p>Iesa wasted no time and stabbed at the fallen hobgoblin; to make sure that she would not rise and torment him again. Daneath, meantime turned and charged at the bugbear, who was standing in confusion at the tunnel, looking for Beepu. What he found instead was a sword, that nearly cleaved the humanoid into two across the midsection. It fell lifeless, onto the ground.</p><p></p><p>As we all panted in exhaustion, from a boulder near a wall, emerged Beepu. He too was bloodied, with what looked to be animal bites on his arm and matching tears in his shirt. He nodded in some satisfaction and finally spoke.</p><p></p><p>“The rear…is secure,” He said heavily between breaths. “How was the negotiation? I only heard—”</p><p></p><p>“That damned…hobgoblin…witch,” Iesa spat. “That is the second time she—”</p><p></p><p>“Wait,” I interrupted angrily. “Second time? What are you talking about?”</p><p></p><p>“She changed her appearance to look like…her,” Iesa gestured to the resting form of Alanathia. </p><p></p><p>Daneath moved over to Iesa and balled up his fist in his mail glove. He then swung and punched the rock next to Iesa’s head. “Why didn’t you tell us that! You killed her! What the hell are we—”</p><p></p><p>“He didn’t kill her,” I said angrily. “He just got damn close. I’m lucky that Kelemvor didn’t take her.”</p><p></p><p>“What do you mean, ‘I’m lucky?’ This isn’t your fault Myrai,” Beepu said confused.</p><p></p><p>“I knew something was wrong,” I said guiltily. “I didn’t…trust myself to say anything. I was fortunate to save her <em>and</em> Daneath.”</p><p></p><p>“Well we all made errors. That seems to be normal. Let us learn from it and move on. I would like to leave this place.”</p><p></p><p>I nodded, “True enough. I’m going to heal Alanathia, but I will be spent. We should get out and rest somewhere safer.”</p><p></p><p>“Ok, lets take a look at those cages, after I search our friend here,” Iesa said.</p><p></p><p>I nodded and moved back towards the fallen elf. I sat down next to the woman, and gently rolled her over onto her side, with her head in my lap. I then focused the very last of what I had, focusing on closing the dagger wound in her back. I watched the wound close and heard her breathing grow stronger. Once I was certain it was fully closed, I turned her gently, so she laid on her back. I peeled off my cloak and covered her with it and waited.</p><p></p><p>I was a fool. I was bobbed and peeled like a common cony. I knew it was a trap. I knew it wasn’t a bluff or a gamble. I didn’t need to know the details, but I should have warned them. I was willing to gamble with my own life if I needed. But I gambled with this elf’s life, and nearly lost. </p><p></p><p>I was a fool. I should have asked Iesa more about last night. That tidbit would have made a difference. This woman, Daneath, none of them would have come that close to the fugue. </p><p></p><p>I was a fool. What saved us? Not planning. Not skill. It was luck. None of us should have survived if it wasn’t for that. None of us should be…alive.</p><p></p><p>Well, I certainly shouldn’t be. Nor this woman. Nor Iesa or Daneath. Outside of myself, everyone was alive…because I was. Maybe it wasn’t luck. Maybe I just needed to trust more…</p><p></p><p>In my friends.</p><p></p><p>In my instincts.</p><p></p><p>In my faith.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps there was a purpose to it, that I didn’t see. Couldn’t see. Couldn’t know. Is that why I was forced back from the fugue? I have a purpose?</p><p></p><p>I reached down and touched where the <em>Apocrypha</em> was hanging in a case on my side. I needed to know more. I felt it was the key to the riddle. It wasn’t luck that I found it. It was design. That what is happening around me isn’t an accident. It had a reason.</p><p></p><p>I would just prefer for a small light in the darkness. To lead, to guide, or if nothing else, keep me company.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Session notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>It’s true; Iesa failed to mention what had happened with the Iron Shadow the first time. We were a little miffed by that omission. Beepu did a lot of dancing in the back with more guard drakes, and once again was an effective rock. </p><p></p><p>Also, yes it was a Dagger of Venom. And as an opening nova it was quite impressive.</p><p></p><p>Too bad about the wrong target.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 7845881, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B][I]The Crying Game. - 11/3/2019[/I][/B] [I]In times of crisis, we turn to our comforts for relief. Friends. Family. Faith. Drink even. But sometimes, that isn’t enough. You have to have the strength and will to look at yourself, to gaze within to find the answers to the toughest questions, to reflect and realize what changes you should make, to submit and allow yourself to make the greatest sacrifices. But knowing it isn’t enough. You still need the guts to [B]do[/B] it. And I think that is where most of us fail. [/I][/CENTER] [B] [/B] “Iesa!” I leaned over towards the man, “The crying stopped.” He cocked his head to listen, and then frowned. “Yeah, we better move. I can’t imagine that’s a good sign.” “I’m as ready as I can be,” Daneath said readying his shield and sword. “Let’s do the same thing as before,” Iesa said. “What? Listen at the door and smash it on the way in?” “No! Turn me invisible. Let you guys draw the attention.” I shrug and replied, “Why not?” “What if I need to hide!” Beepu said with a note of concern. “Turn into a rock. You’re good at that!” Iesa pointed out. Beepu was about to object, when he realized the truth. “True, it has worked quite a bit.” “Fine,” I said. “Make him disappear, and Daneath and I will appear to be in front. You watch our rears as a stone.” Iesa smiled, looking forward to hiding without trying, and in a moment and a quick word from Beepu, he vanished. “You know,” Daneath commented. “We don’t have to make him reappear.” “I’m right here bro.” “Can you do that Beepu? I won’t tell him.” “Damn it, I know you can hear me!” Iesa sputtered. “True,” I commented. “But all he’s going to do when he finds out is sing the “Frog and Firkin” in your ear. Forever.” “Might be worth it…” Daneath said mischievously. “Can you focus for a moment!” the bodiless Iesa spat. “Well I do not know what Iesa would say, but we should finish our work here.” Beepu deadpanned. “Let us go.” “Why you…oh funny. Ha. Ha.” Iesa muttered. I moved to the door and cast a thought out; [I]Anything going on out there? --I haven’t seen anything other than that modron. Its not really a modron. --Fine. Not a modron. Still nothing.[/I] “Let’s go, its clear.” And I moved to the door, following Daneath. The warrior opened the door and after looking around, headed towards his right, following the line of torches that continued into the depths. I could hear for a brief moment, Iesa scrambling ahead, but soon he was moving silently ahead. Beepu trailed behind me, and both of our familiars stayed close. As we moved down the shaft, I reached into my pouch and pulled out a bit of wire, and coiled it around my index finger. I twisted it round and round and plucked at a white strand and then whispered under my breath, as I pointed down where I thought Iesa went. [I]“Iesa? Can you hear me? If so, whisper back.” “What the? Yes…this a new trick?”[/I] I smiled to myself. [I]“Something I learned yes. I’ll keep reaching out to you as we go. No one but me can hear you whisper back.” “That’s a help. Will do. The shaft winds a bit, but I see it opening up into another large area.”[/I] I nodded, “Iesa says that it opens up into a large cavern ahead, so be ready.” “What? How did—” Daneath whispered at me. “Ah! I see what you did there.” Beepu pointed at the wire I was working with my fingers. “A good spell. We will talk later.” [I]“Iesa?” I whispered. “Not good. I found a bunch of cages with prisoners. And I found Alanathia. Might need help.”[/I] “Sodding Baator,” I said. “Looks like we are expected.” “I’ll follow your lead then Myr,” Daneath said. “I am going to watch our rears then. Listen for loud yelling.” Said Beepu. [I]Gos, stay low and out of sight, keep an eye out. --For…what exactly? Stuff that can’t be seen. --Like the guy with the monkey? Yes...no…yes, like him, but not him. Other things. Don’t get caught in a fight and let me focus. --Ok…can do.[/I] I nodded, and I took the lead and moved forward. I kept my back pressed against the wall as I came closer to where the tunnel spilled into the room and peeked inside. The shaft opened up into a large carved gallery. Here the marks of chisels and picks were left like scars on the rock walls. Piles of rubble and tailing were scattered across the ground. Each near a rail, as if the next mine cart would arrive, ready to move them up to the surface. Near the rails, were simple wooden cages. Within each I could see figures lying down motionless, unable or unwilling to move. No sounds came from the occupants within, and I worried that there were none living. Between the cages, here and there on the floor were shallow puddles of still water, from a rain long ago that seeped below the earth. But these puddles scattered the flickering light of torches coming from a far corner of the room. There in that corner, stood the female hobgoblin. Her face was scarred, ritually on both cheeks, and her iron eyes stared towards me coolly, betraying neither anger nor fear. She was dressed in a light leather top and leggings, barely enough to keep brambles at bay. She wore no shoes, but ribbons of leather carefully wrapped to cover and protect her insoles, and in one hand, she held a simple dagger. And that dagger was ever so close the neck of Alanathia. The elf’s leathers were dirty, and her arms were pulled behind her back, likely tied. She was on her bare knees on the rock floor, which showed signs of bleeding from cuts. Her hair was a disheveled mess, and her right eye socket was swollen shut from a blow. Her expression was stoic as she too looked down the tunnel towards us. “So, the elves sent…you. How fortunate,” The hobgoblin’s voice rang out in precise clipped tones. All business, intelligent, and confident. This worried me; she easily handled Iesa [I]carrying[/I] the elf on her back easily. She knew that we were here and outnumbered her. Was this bravado, or was it calculated? I decided to play for time and let Iesa move closer. “Fortunate? That is an interesting way to describe this…arrangement. What do you want?” [I]“Iesa, I hope you are ready,” [/I]I whispered into the weave, hoping he was nearing the hobgoblin. [I]“Just about. Prepped my blade with a surprise. Keep talking to her a bit longer,” [/I]came the reply. The hobgoblin’s sneering voice replied, “For our Prophesized One, there is nothing he wants or needs from the elves. They will be swept away, as we reclaim what is ours. But you? You and your companions are known to us.” “I guess we should feel honored. What do you want then from…us?” “[I]Iesa?” [/I]I muttered in the weave again. [I]“Almost…”[/I] “Right now, this is about what you want. You want this elf…leader,” the contempt was clear as she talked. “So, what I want is simple. One of you, for her.” “What, a trade?” I said, playing up the incredulity. This didn’t make sense. Bargaining from weakness, as if she was in control? She either was a gambler or…she really was in control.” “[I]Iesa?” [/I]I whispered urgently. “[I]Ready, charge in when I strike.”[/I] “Of course. I am done with this one, but you value her. I value one of you. Choose, NOW!” and she raised her voice to a near shout, as if she was trying to order me like a soldier under her command. “Alright, alright then! You win. I choose...” and I closed my eyes and hoped “You.” I heard the blade whistling in the air, and then the sound of it sinking deep into flesh and muscle. I could then see Iesa standing behind the hobgoblin, his dagger firmly lodged in her back with a wolfish smile that spoke volumes. The hobgoblin’s legs buckled, and she sank down, with an expression on her face that made my blood run cold. An arrogant smile followed by a mocking laugh. “Myr watch out!” and suddenly Daneath shoved me into the room, while a shower of stone chips exploded behind me. I turned my head to look, and saw a large axe sunk deep into the stone, and now watched it wrenched free by its wielder, a large hulking bugbear. It great size was as surprising as its silence, even as it smiled to make another swing. From behind Daneath and the bugbear I could hear fire bolts striking rock, the sounds of hissing and snarling, and gnomish cursing. I felt slow as I stumbled a bit forward to catch my balance. And as I looked at the bugbear, I watched as from a near by wall, a figure appeared and ran towards the warrior. To my shock it was Alanathia who barreled straight for the large man and with her bare hands and feet struck Daneath over and over. She was a whirlwind of limbs, each finding gaps in Daneath defense and armor. Finally, on her last punch I could hear the sound of bones snapping, as she broke several ribs. It didn’t make sense. Why was she attacking us? And then as I watched, Analthia’s face and clothing melted away, running off like sheets of water revealing the true opponent. The hobgoblin woman. The hunters were now the hunted. Everything was slow as I ran into the room, with a guess and a fear. As I turned to look where Iesa stood, I could see him with horror on this face, as he withdrew his green, glowing dagger from the fallen figure, now on her knees. Her face and clothing were melting away too, and the hobgoblin’s form was replaced by the pain stricken elven leader, Alanathia. She then fell forward flat on the ground in a motionless heap. “Go help D!” I shouted as I ran, but Iesa was already moving as we passed each other. I didn’t have much time; I had two things I could do, but I guessed I needed to save some power for the fight. I could only use the barest amount to save her. Putting too much into her, could mean death for everyone else. I remembered my mentor saying that triage in a battle was different than at the peace of a healer’s hut. That the decisions made had different weight. I heard it and processed it. But only now did I understand it. I slid down on my knees next to Alanathia, and could see that she still breathed, if but barely. Iesa’s blade had sunk true and deep into her back. That alone should have been enough to kill most people, but I could see the greenish color of a tacky substance around the entrance to the wound; a type of poison. I was taken aback; I didn’t know that Iesa even [B][I]had[/I][/B] poison, and I had no idea kind type it was. But as I knelt and laid a hand upon her, I reached into that small part of myself where I had some personal power that had nothing to do with the strands I usually pulled on. I felt the rush of energy down my back, the flexing of ephemeral wings, and I purged away the poison from her body and blood. I heard more fighting from the tunnel; sword striking metal, and the sound of solid strikes against wet meat. Farther still, the blasts of magic and more swearing. But it was distant from my thoughts as I focused. The elf was barely breathing, and the blood still poured from her wound. I then pulled on a single light strand, hoping that this would be enough. I felt the energy pour from me, and into Alanathia’s wounds, and I watched as the bleeding slowed and stopped. Her breathing was shallow, but soft and regular. I was certain that she would live. [I]--Please don’t take her yet my lord. Not for this. Not for our mistake. My mistake![/I] I then turned my head to look at the melee just in time to see Daneath’s armored body, fall to the ground motionless, felled by the axe of the bugbear. The creature ripped it out of Daneath, and turned to face Iesa, who was fully engaged with the hobgoblin. His rapier had landed at least one good hit, based on the blood flowing from her side. But he was no longer making successful strikes and was focused instead on dodging and knocking away the hands and feet of the woman assailing him. As I watched, I saw him start to back around the gallery trying to position himself so only one attacker would be able to attack him. This might have worked with Daneath next to him, but now it was only a matter of time before one of them flanked him. I had little left in me. But I was not going to the fugue again. Not after what we just did. I was going to atone with my actions now, and not beg for forgiveness later. I pulled on a pair of light strands within me and used them like a bowstring to launch power from myself. I moved, closer to Daneath, and away from the injured Alanathia. I didn’t want her to be caught up defenseless if something were to go…more awry. I launched the energy into Daneath as I moved, who lay some distance from me. The energy would lose a lot of its effectiveness, but it would still close wounds, and hopefully wake him. But what I didn’t want, is to be obviously helping the warrior. Then I concentrated and a miasa of darkness surrounded both of Iesa’s attackers, and a toll of a bell rang in the mine. Now I could hear the bugbear as it roared in pain and I watched it turn its head to focus on me. How it knew, it didn’t matter. I got what I wanted; its attention. It snarled, and charged at me, grasping the axe with both hands ready to cut me down where I stood. I could feel the rock vibrate as twenty stones of muscle came bearing down on me. It raised its axe high overhead and it whistled as it cut through the air, down at me. I raised my shield up above my head trying to protect myself. The axe then came crashing down, and shattered my shield into pieces, and causing me to stagger backwards. My arm felt first sharp pain, and then a strong throbbing ache as I pulled it tight alongside me. The bugbear snarled and raised its axe again, and I readied myself for the blow, when I saw the outline of orange light surround the bugbear. I then smelled burnt hair, as a bolt of fire streaked from the tunnel, and into its back. It whirled and howled and ran straight at Beepu, angry at the distraction. Beepu then swiftly darted around the corner, with the bugbear in close pursuit. Iesa was holding his own, but the hobgoblin kept swinging, and could land a single blow, for every three she threw. But that was more than Iesa who’s blows weren’t nearly as effective as his opponent. Had it continued for longer, Iesa likely would have made a mistake, and pay the price. So, it was then, that Daneath charged in; he was loud, and he crashed into the hobgoblin, who was surprised to see her fallen opponent now fully committed to killing her. She turned her head and started to position herself to handle this new assault. And that was all it took. She took her eyes from the tired looking Iesa, who quickly spun and thrust into her backside, sinking deep into her vitals. I watched her stiffen and cough up a large amount of blood, before collapsing onto the ground. Iesa wasted no time and stabbed at the fallen hobgoblin; to make sure that she would not rise and torment him again. Daneath, meantime turned and charged at the bugbear, who was standing in confusion at the tunnel, looking for Beepu. What he found instead was a sword, that nearly cleaved the humanoid into two across the midsection. It fell lifeless, onto the ground. As we all panted in exhaustion, from a boulder near a wall, emerged Beepu. He too was bloodied, with what looked to be animal bites on his arm and matching tears in his shirt. He nodded in some satisfaction and finally spoke. “The rear…is secure,” He said heavily between breaths. “How was the negotiation? I only heard—” “That damned…hobgoblin…witch,” Iesa spat. “That is the second time she—” “Wait,” I interrupted angrily. “Second time? What are you talking about?” “She changed her appearance to look like…her,” Iesa gestured to the resting form of Alanathia. Daneath moved over to Iesa and balled up his fist in his mail glove. He then swung and punched the rock next to Iesa’s head. “Why didn’t you tell us that! You killed her! What the hell are we—” “He didn’t kill her,” I said angrily. “He just got damn close. I’m lucky that Kelemvor didn’t take her.” “What do you mean, ‘I’m lucky?’ This isn’t your fault Myrai,” Beepu said confused. “I knew something was wrong,” I said guiltily. “I didn’t…trust myself to say anything. I was fortunate to save her [I]and[/I] Daneath.” “Well we all made errors. That seems to be normal. Let us learn from it and move on. I would like to leave this place.” I nodded, “True enough. I’m going to heal Alanathia, but I will be spent. We should get out and rest somewhere safer.” “Ok, lets take a look at those cages, after I search our friend here,” Iesa said. I nodded and moved back towards the fallen elf. I sat down next to the woman, and gently rolled her over onto her side, with her head in my lap. I then focused the very last of what I had, focusing on closing the dagger wound in her back. I watched the wound close and heard her breathing grow stronger. Once I was certain it was fully closed, I turned her gently, so she laid on her back. I peeled off my cloak and covered her with it and waited. I was a fool. I was bobbed and peeled like a common cony. I knew it was a trap. I knew it wasn’t a bluff or a gamble. I didn’t need to know the details, but I should have warned them. I was willing to gamble with my own life if I needed. But I gambled with this elf’s life, and nearly lost. I was a fool. I should have asked Iesa more about last night. That tidbit would have made a difference. This woman, Daneath, none of them would have come that close to the fugue. I was a fool. What saved us? Not planning. Not skill. It was luck. None of us should have survived if it wasn’t for that. None of us should be…alive. Well, I certainly shouldn’t be. Nor this woman. Nor Iesa or Daneath. Outside of myself, everyone was alive…because I was. Maybe it wasn’t luck. Maybe I just needed to trust more… In my friends. In my instincts. In my faith. Perhaps there was a purpose to it, that I didn’t see. Couldn’t see. Couldn’t know. Is that why I was forced back from the fugue? I have a purpose? I reached down and touched where the [I]Apocrypha[/I] was hanging in a case on my side. I needed to know more. I felt it was the key to the riddle. It wasn’t luck that I found it. It was design. That what is happening around me isn’t an accident. It had a reason. I would just prefer for a small light in the darkness. To lead, to guide, or if nothing else, keep me company. [B]Session notes:[/B] It’s true; Iesa failed to mention what had happened with the Iron Shadow the first time. We were a little miffed by that omission. Beepu did a lot of dancing in the back with more guard drakes, and once again was an effective rock. Also, yes it was a Dagger of Venom. And as an opening nova it was quite impressive. Too bad about the wrong target. [/QUOTE]
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