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Journal of the Souls of Legend (completed)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 7983820" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>And Many Happy Returns - 5/7/2020</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><em>One thing that death teaches you, is how precious every life is. No matter how small.</em></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Finally, the light of the sun broke above the horizon, and we prepared to leave. Of course, I had to be told this, as I was somewhat distracted. I had spent my watch hours reading, desperate for answers to questions I had. And while I found answers, they of course weren’t the ones I wanted answers to.</p><p></p><p>What I learned were the basics; why the dead avoided me, why my vision in darkness was different than before. I learned that I could at times, change these manifestations if I wanted to create some other effect. But it took great effort and could not be changed often. I also learned something else; there were others that had left their mark in the <em>Apocrypha</em>. Subtle marking and sigils were present here and there; notes from some forgotten souls that weretied to the text. Finally, all the manifestations, new or existing would require the ritual to enter the construct, where I had my recent revelations.</p><p></p><p>So, while the ‘how’ was understood, the ‘why’ was unclear as before. I had a tome that was as mechanical as Beepu’s in that sense, but the idea that I had a ‘purpose’…no a <strong><em>duty</em></strong> that I was expected to do was missing. A deal made in desperation, and a cruel debt to hold over someone who wasn’t aware of the consequences. A debt I had no idea how to pay. </p><p></p><p>This sat uneasily with me; it took me years as a child to pay off the debt to the Gatehouse for caring for me, and now I found I was once again shackled. But now I didn’t know how to free myself, and only the vaguest idea of what was expected of me, which apparently involved ‘executions.’</p><p></p><p>I supposed that if it <strong><em>was</em></strong> in the name of my lord Kelemvor in the duties that he expected of his faithful, it would have been ok. I understood the tenets and had accepted the terms of the faith willingly. </p><p></p><p>But the binding was an unknown. Would it conflict with my beliefs or my faith? What would be a cause for me to deal such a grim fate by my hand? How would my adams react? It was less a matter of could I do it, but how would I know it was the right thing to do at all.</p><p></p><p>All questions I couldn’t answer, so when Daneath shook me from my thoughts I was relieved. </p><p></p><p>“Myr? You feeling alright?” he asked.</p><p></p><p>“I…don’t know really.” I said pulling my eyes away from the metal sheets, while I pushed them back into place.</p><p></p><p>“Didn’t think so…if I didn’t know better, you have been hanging around Beepu too long.”</p><p></p><p>“Huh?” I said puzzled.</p><p></p><p>“You look like him, staring at all his diagrams, paying no attention to anything else,” Daneath pointed out.</p><p></p><p>I regarded the <em>Apocrypha </em>for a moment, frowning. “I finally find a way to read this,” gesturing at the silvery cylinder that lay in front of me. “And of course, I find a hint that I am supposed to do…something. Or maybe <strong><em>be</em></strong> something. And yet it doesn’t say why or how. And I don’t seem to have a choice.”</p><p></p><p>Daneath was still for a moment and then spoke, “And you haven’t a clue what?”</p><p></p><p>“No…I have a clue. It just seems to involve…a lot of death.” I said quietly.</p><p></p><p>“Well, you are a priestess of Kelemvor right?”</p><p></p><p>“Kelemvor is about judgement, and about how we handle and deal with the outcomes of death. Not the act of causing it. Death does just fine without help. And now I am told…I am supposed...to…help? I don’t understand it.”</p><p></p><p>Daneath pursed his lips together in thought and then shrugged. “I guess I understand the sudden interest in reading. Do you think you will find the answers there?”</p><p></p><p>I shook my head, “I don’t know. Right now, I…just want to get out of here.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, good news we have got enough provisions from the stuff here, we can easily make our way back without hunting,” Iesa said walking up from downstairs. “And we found a bit of coin for our efforts. Here’s yours Myr,” and he tossed me a small sack of coin. “Also, Beepu looked at the <em>booyagh</em>’s things. This one only had the purple stone, and he said you should look at it.” And Iesa tossed me a smooth stone. </p><p></p><p>I looked at it for a moment, and then placed it in my belt pouch. Then I stood and picked up the sack to place it my pack. Looking around a moment I asked Iesa “Where are the others?”</p><p></p><p>“The dirty pair crossed over to the moat house to look for stuff. Beepu is on the battlements guiding Foggle in scouting. Darastrix was getting the boat ready for us.”</p><p></p><p>“And Mo?” I asked wondering about Iesa’s best friend.</p><p></p><p>Iesa frowned, “I’m kinda worried; ever since we entered the swamp he’s been hiding in my pack. Doesn’t want to come out much. I’m hoping that getting out of here and back in the grassland will cheer him up.”</p><p></p><p>“I bet he won’t be happy until he gets to a town, where he can climb, poke around, and…bring you gifts.” I said with a wry smile.</p><p></p><p>Iesa returned my grin, “You’re probably are right. I think he would trade some loot just for a tree to climb.”</p><p></p><p>Drik and Drok came up then from downstairs lugging a sack, jingling with metal, followed by Beepu with Foggle on his shoulders, and Darastrix. </p><p></p><p>“Well, Foggle sees no signs of hobgoblins or ogres lurking around,” Beepu said as he started packing his own gear. “Not for miles. Best guess is they headed south.”</p><p></p><p>“Sssouth not sssafe for them,” Darastrix spoke. “More Folk in the meressss to the sssouth.”</p><p></p><p>“More of your tribe?” Iesa turned and asked.</p><p></p><p>“Will ssseek them out. After ssself guide you out.” Darastrix said simply with the barest of shrugs.</p><p></p><p>“We can probably make it out without your help, if you want to find them,” I said.</p><p></p><p>“Resssponsible for ssseeing you sssafe. Think sssoftssskins call it ‘mannerssss.’” He replied.</p><p></p><p>“So, what do we do with our two captives?” Daneath asked. “I’m not walking them back to the Misty Forest.”</p><p></p><p>“Let them go,” I said. “They didn’t fight, they answered our questions. Enough blood has been spilled.”</p><p></p><p>“What’s to stop them from regrouping and following us with that pack of hobgoblins and ogres?” Iesa asked.</p><p></p><p>“Be honest, would <strong><em>you</em></strong> follow us?” Danneath asked. “And besides, Darastrix probably is going to take us back the same way we came which is not a path they know.”</p><p></p><p>“So how do we do this then?” Iesa said looking at all of us.</p><p></p><p>“Iesa, can you give me the key to the pantry?” I asked, and Iesa nodded and handed it to me. “Drik and Drok stay here, everyone else head to the boat; we’ll be down in a moment.”</p><p></p><p>The rest left the room, while the goblins and I went to the pantry door. I then flexed and placed a dull orange light on the doorknob. The instant I did so I heard movement from within and some quick muttering.</p><p></p><p>“Drik, tell them that your <em>booyagh</em> has put magic on the door. When the light goes out, its safe for them to leave.”</p><p></p><p>Drik nodded and started speaking in goblin to the women with in, while I set the key in the lock, and unlocked the door. From within I heard angry sounds. I looked at the pair, while Drok relayed what they said.</p><p></p><p>“They not believe you; think you want to kill them still.”</p><p></p><p>I shook my head and sighed, “Tell them that if I wanted them dead, I would have done it already.” Drik nodded with a wicked smiled and relayed the message. The voices of the women settled down, and Drik nodded. We then grabbed our things and made our way to the dock where the boat waited to take us away from the fortress.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>----</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The next two days were a blur for me. One thing we discovered was the Prophesized One was a demanding child. As I expected I was playing nursemaid and general caretaker. So, while he took Pathhorn’s berries easily enough, I found that he wanted to suck on the horn frequently. I was filling it constantly from my waterskin, and I used some strands to make it taste like the berries. The rest of the time he slept on the diskc with me curled next to him, with some linens we scavenged from the fort. When he wasn’t sleeping, he was of course soiling his nappies, which I dutifully cleaned and dried with some strands of the weave.</p><p></p><p>But it was not only during the day I had to do this, but the night as well. Constantly ‘feeding’ him, and otherwise occupying the little hobgoblin. And it was constant. I was mostly focused on trying to keep him quiet, so I was cradling him, bouncing him or otherwise keeping him busy. All in the fevered hope of not attracting any of the swamp’s denizens. So, I didn’t have a lot of time to myself to read, or even think. And while I didn’t mind not walking, I quickly found that I really missed it.</p><p></p><p>But what I really missed was sleep. I found myself slipping into constant naps, when I wasn’t focused on poop, feeding, or keeping the child quiet. It became clear to me, that despite his size, he was still a very young infant, as his schedule centered only on the consumption of food, or its elimination. Occasionally I could hold him, and he would look around with some interest before drifting off to sleep. Sometimes I could put him back in his basket and he would stay asleep. The only good thing that came from this, was that I was excused from watches as my focus was lacking in every way.</p><p></p><p>The monotony of the cycle of sleep and poop was broken on the third morning, when we arrived at the ruined shack on the edge of the swamp where we first met Darastrix. We had just finished our morning meal, and I had just laid the Prophesized One down from his berry meal when we said our goodbyes.</p><p></p><p>“Many thankssss sssoftssskins,” Darastrix said nodding with approval. “May your huntsss met your needssss.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu nodded, “Well I hope that your hunt for your tribe also find success.” And he clasped the large lizardfolk’s hand with his own and firmly shook it. The Lizardfolk gamely returned the unfamiliar gesture and said nothing.</p><p></p><p>Iesa clasped him on the back and spoke as well, “So long Darastrix, perhaps we will see each other again soon.” </p><p></p><p>“Only if sssoftssskin is lossst,” Darastrix said baring his teeth. </p><p></p><p>“You’re getting humor down. That’s good,” and Iesa went over to finishing packing his things.</p><p></p><p>“But wassss not trying to tell joke,” Darastrix said raising his hand as Iesa left in a halfhearted attempt to stop him. But he didn’t get far, before Daneath embraced the Lizardfolk.</p><p></p><p>“Well, softskins do hug those they like and trust; you have earned my respect.” Daneath said to Darastrix. The Lizardfolk who had so awkwardly attempted to hug us on our first meeting found himself unsure on what to do. But he slowly returned the embrace and lightly clasped the warrior on the shoulders. Nodding and saying, “Sssso that issss how it worksss.”</p><p></p><p>Drik and Drok, simply walked over and extended their hands palms up, which Darastrix matched. The two goblins then slapped the lizardfolk’s outstretched hand, much to Darastrix’s surprise. But Darastrix then quickly caught on and reversed the gesture, slapping both the goblins’ hands with little hesitation, and only small winces from Drik and Drok.</p><p></p><p>Finally, I stepped up to the large Lizardfolk and chuckled. He looked at me, and offered a hug, I stepped up towards him and after taking a deep breath, planted a kiss on the cheek of the surprised Darastrix. I wasn’t sure if I would regret it, but as it turned out it was harmless. The scales on his cheek were cool, smooth and dry to my lips, and not wet and moist as I was almost afraid it was.</p><p></p><p>“Why not hugsss?” he asked.</p><p></p><p>I gave an impish shrug and smiled, “It’s a female way of saying thanks.”</p><p></p><p>Darastrix nodded slowly, his mind working to comprehend something, before his eyes widened in realization.</p><p></p><p>“Female? Oh…explainsss much. Ssshefolk also different,” he intoned solemnly. He then without another word, turned away, and stepped back into the waters of the swamp. With a swift lunge, his body dived into the waters barely causing ripples on the surface. His form quickly was hidden by the murky waters, leaving only the lapping sounds of the water at the edge.</p><p></p><p>“So…wait,” Iesa said as he thought about the exchange between us. “Did he not realize you were a girl?”</p><p></p><p>“It probably was not relevant to him. I am not sure how females behave in his tribe, but I am sure Myrai’s behavior is vastly different.” Beepu said.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Again, my thoughts were only on sleep as the next two days passed. The Prophesied One was a surly taskmaster on his needs; food, a clean nappy, warmth, and something to suck on. I think I managed to walk on my own perhaps three times, before something called me back to the disc. The nights were getting cooler as we moved closer and closer to the Misty Forest, and I found myself having to snuggle closely with the child to keep him warm, as the linens he had with him, did little to retain warmth.</p><p></p><p>But it was this strange imperative to keep quiet that was difficult. No one wanted to risk a tirade in the swamp, and it continued as we travelled the grass plains as well. Hushed tones during the day, and since I was the one with the child, only the barest pleasantries. In between my naps I wanted to talk intelligently, and not keep the infant entertained.</p><p></p><p>In two days though we had arrived back at the ruined village. It had changed a little since we left, as it appeared to have been picked clean by the villagers we had rescued. But of the former prisoners, there was no sign. But it was here that we again said goodbye.</p><p></p><p>“Time to go to Skullport,” Drik said gesturing at the road that would eventually lead to Daggerford.</p><p></p><p>“Home,” Drok said simply nodding.</p><p></p><p>“You could still come with us,” Iesa said hopefully. “I don’t know how I would find all the clumsy targets without you.”</p><p></p><p>“That, and finding his…um…’Oneness,’” Daneath gestured to the basket that quietly lay on the disc nearby.</p><p></p><p>“We thank all from freeing us,” Drik said somberly.</p><p></p><p>“Did not want to fight for horde,” Drok nodded.</p><p></p><p>“Safe travels,” Daneath said and took a turn shaking each goblin’s hand.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah,” said Iesa, following his brother. “I’ve always wanted to see Skullport. If we ever get back to Waterdeep, I’ll have to get a message to you.”</p><p></p><p>Beepu stood there with arms across his chest and his eyes narrowed. Finally, he sighed and looked at each of them before speaking.</p><p></p><p>“My mistrust was misplaced. You were…decent companions. I do wish for you to have a safe journey north.”</p><p></p><p>The pair looked at each other and nodded, before addressing the gnome.</p><p></p><p>“Beepu may not be taller,” Drik started and Beepu’s face looked to explode in rage when Drik said.</p><p></p><p>“But owl is better than hat.” And with that the tension in the air subsided, and the gnome chuckled.</p><p></p><p>Finally, I came over and knelt down by the pair. I glanced at each of them and asked. “So, assuming you aren’t afraid of the ugly magic woman,” which caused them both to look at me in shock, which then faded into maybe an expression of guilt. I touched the symbol of Kelemvor on my neck and said a quick prayer.</p><p></p><p>“Please protect our friends as they travel home. May you live your lives to their fullest.”</p><p></p><p>I then touched each on the forehead, believing that they would find their path home.</p><p></p><p>“Myrai is nice <em>Booyahg,” </em>Drik said with a grin.</p><p></p><p>“Maybe not ugly,” Drok said nodding. At which point the three of us laughed, followed quickly by the others. They then turned, with their packs full of trinkets and things, and their crossbows at the ready, and they started to march on their long journey home.</p><p></p><p>We then turned and headed to the south, to climb back up out of the valley. </p><p></p><p>“I am really going to miss them,” Iesa said somberly.</p><p></p><p>“What you needed two little brothers?” Daneath asked.</p><p></p><p>“I thought Mo was his little brother,” Beepu said with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>“Hah hah…no. They were…just…interesting.” Iesa said wistfully.</p><p></p><p>“Well,” I said as I climbed back on the disc to hang on the basket as we ascended. “Something tells me that you are going to forget all about them soon enough.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah the elves will probably do exactly that. But…”</p><p></p><p>“But what?” I asked as I sat down.</p><p></p><p>“I at least understood Drik and Drok. And that was something.”</p><p>The next day, Daneath had released the bauble, and we were dutifully following it to Whitepetal. The hills gave way to forest, the air growing cooler, and the smells more fragrant than the dusty plains below. I lay there on Beepu’s disc watching the sun light through the trees, mentally adrift.</p><p></p><p>The day was trying, as his ‘Oneness’ had been more temperamental than before. Pathhorn’s berries while satisfying for a day, only worked if you consumed them. For most of the day I spent time trying to convince him to take the horn, but he just wanted something else. In my tired state it took me a while to come up with the idea to use the strand to change the flavor from a berry to milk like taste. It was so difficult I was tempted to ask Beepu to cast a spell on both of us to put us asleep. But in the end I somehow managed to feed him and settle him down.</p><p></p><p>So, there I was in a mental fog staring upwards, when I realized we were on the outskirts of Whitepetal. I saw the bridges overhead, threading their way throughout the branches far above. I sat up, and looking ahead, I saw the familiar lift descending that would take us up to the branches above. Once Beepu’s disc came to a stop, I slid off and packed away the blankets that I laid out and picked up the basket with the “Prophesized One” fast asleep.</p><p></p><p>The elves at the lift saw us, and the look on their faces was warm. Smiles and knowing nods was visible clearly, compared to the tired and weary ones that we had left, and the suspicious and guarded ones on our first meeting. But as we stepped onto the wooden planks of the lift, their faces looked at me with confusion as I brought the basket with me. And as the lift moved upwards into the leaves above, the quiet cooing of his Oneness only created more curious and puzzled stares.</p><p></p><p></p><p>“That…that…<strong><em>child</em></strong> is the ‘Prophesized One’?” Galenas exclaimed incredulously gesturing at the babe in my arms. Alanathia, came closer and looked closely at the child I cradled in my arms. He had awoken a little while ago, so I gave him a horn of some water to keep him quiet, while we told our story. But of course, the reveal of a hobgoblin child, changed the conversations direction.</p><p></p><p>“Well…yes,” Beepu said simply spreading his hands wide.</p><p></p><p>“How can you be certain?” Galenas accused.</p><p></p><p>“Firstly, we have a journal that describes his arrival, and how their <em>boo</em>…er sorcerer was basically elevating the child as their future leader. But it is the second fact that is interesting; he cannot be targeted by spells from the Weave.”</p><p></p><p>Alanathia’s head swiveled to regard the gnome. “What do you mean?”</p><p></p><p>“I literally cannot target him with a spell that could hurt him, and I suspect not with one that allow for divination.” Beepu stated. “And I did try several different ones. From the perspective of the Weave, he does not exist. We believe this is why he has been so difficult to find.”</p><p></p><p>Alanathia sat next to me and looked at the hobgoblin child frowning. She placed a hand on his forehead and closed her eyes her lips whispering under her breath. Then she looked at her brother frowning.</p><p></p><p>“It is so,” she said quietly. “I cannot affect him, for good or ill.” She sighed and withdrew her hand and looked at me steadily. “But why did you bring him here?”</p><p></p><p>“When we first found him, we didn’t know what to do,” I said returning her gaze. As I spoke, I realized I could hear the exhaustion and sadness in my own voice. I knew that the fate of this child would be determined elsewhere, and likely beyond my own control. But I continued, nevertheless. “But it wasn’t until we examined the journal and interrogated a pair of prisoners, we discovered that he was brought to—”</p><p></p><p>“—That was already mentioned, who cares where it came fr—” Galenas said impaitently.</p><p></p><p>“—Because it was an <em>elf</em> that brought him to the hobgoblin leaders.” I cut back in. The pair of the elves were shocked at this revelation.</p><p></p><p>“An elf?” Alanathia said softly in disbelief. “I do not understand. Why would an elf be involved in this?”</p><p></p><p>“We didn’t understand either at first,” I said realizing the elves were staring at me intensely. “But we also discovered who it was that did it. Paradros.”</p><p></p><p>Alanathia and Galenas looked at each other. Across their faces came a look of disgust. Alanathia then looked downwards with a frown, trying to calm her anger. Galenas however did not even attempt it.</p><p></p><p>“How dare that <em>n’Quess</em> betray his kin. How many <em>Quessir</em> are dead because of this?!” he growled in anger. Alanathia then looked at us all.</p><p></p><p>“I doubt he did this on his own, but at the behest of the Kershak.” She said with sorrow on her voice. “I personally never liked nor trusted Paradros. But he and his ilk were given passage by Melandrach so we trusted in his judgement. It seems that that Melandrach’s trust has been breached.” She then stood and crossed the room towards the open window in the hall.</p><p></p><p>“I suppose then we should also apologize,” she spoke again, gazing at the forest in the setting light.</p><p></p><p>“What for?” Daneath asked.</p><p></p><p>“When we requested your aid, it was indeed a test of your worthiness. However, shortly after your departure, we were given a message to send you to Melandrach at once…but you had already left the forest. I cannot say what would have changed if we had delivered that message, but I cannot say I am…displeased with the outcome as things are now.”</p><p></p><p>“You mean we coul—” Beepu started, before Iesa clapped down a hand over the gnome’s mouth. </p><p></p><p>“—It’s not a problem,” he said while Beepu glared at him.</p><p></p><p>“No, we are happy we could end the hobgoblin’s assault,” Daneath said, quickly jumping in. “When should we leave?”</p><p></p><p>“An escort will be provided to guide you to him,” Alanthia said. “You can set out tomorrow.”</p><p></p><p>“Excuse me,” I said. “What do we do with…” as I nodded towards the sleeping hobgoblin.</p><p></p><p>“Yes…I would have left him for his own worgs were he anything but a infant.” Alanathia said frowning. “But with Paradros being involved, there are questions that must be answered. We will take this burden from you; there are some sages and priests that will need to be consulted.”</p><p></p><p>I looked at the sleeping figure in my arms with concern. I didn’t want to be attached, but I found myself feeling responsible. I turned to look at the elven woman, and as if she read my thoughts.</p><p></p><p>“Do not worry, we will treat him well. And we will find a place where he can be taken care of.” She said smiling. </p><p></p><p>I nodded. “Alright…he at least needs some proper milk; berries aren’t quite what he needs.” And with a wave or Alanathia’s hand, a pair of elves, one male and one female came into the room. She whispered to them in elven and they nodded. They came over to me, and the female gently took the now sleeping form of the Prophesized One from my arms, while the male collected the basket and blankets. And then like that, he was gone, taken somewhere deeper into the village of Whitepetal.</p><p></p><p>I sighed. It was strange; days ago, I was faced with the possibility of having to kill him rather than let him starve. Now here I was worried about what the elves would do to him when I wasn’t there to protect him. It had been so long since I took care of a child, and even then, never more than for a feeding. Having now done so for the better part of five days I hadn’t realized that despite the exhaustion that, caring for such a little one would be…fulfilling. In my heart I realized I was going to miss my former foe, even if he never knew it.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 7983820, member: 6971069"] [CENTER][B]And Many Happy Returns - 5/7/2020[/B] [I]One thing that death teaches you, is how precious every life is. No matter how small.[/I][/CENTER] Finally, the light of the sun broke above the horizon, and we prepared to leave. Of course, I had to be told this, as I was somewhat distracted. I had spent my watch hours reading, desperate for answers to questions I had. And while I found answers, they of course weren’t the ones I wanted answers to. What I learned were the basics; why the dead avoided me, why my vision in darkness was different than before. I learned that I could at times, change these manifestations if I wanted to create some other effect. But it took great effort and could not be changed often. I also learned something else; there were others that had left their mark in the [I]Apocrypha[/I]. Subtle marking and sigils were present here and there; notes from some forgotten souls that weretied to the text. Finally, all the manifestations, new or existing would require the ritual to enter the construct, where I had my recent revelations. So, while the ‘how’ was understood, the ‘why’ was unclear as before. I had a tome that was as mechanical as Beepu’s in that sense, but the idea that I had a ‘purpose’…no a [B][I]duty[/I][/B] that I was expected to do was missing. A deal made in desperation, and a cruel debt to hold over someone who wasn’t aware of the consequences. A debt I had no idea how to pay. This sat uneasily with me; it took me years as a child to pay off the debt to the Gatehouse for caring for me, and now I found I was once again shackled. But now I didn’t know how to free myself, and only the vaguest idea of what was expected of me, which apparently involved ‘executions.’ I supposed that if it [B][I]was[/I][/B] in the name of my lord Kelemvor in the duties that he expected of his faithful, it would have been ok. I understood the tenets and had accepted the terms of the faith willingly. But the binding was an unknown. Would it conflict with my beliefs or my faith? What would be a cause for me to deal such a grim fate by my hand? How would my adams react? It was less a matter of could I do it, but how would I know it was the right thing to do at all. All questions I couldn’t answer, so when Daneath shook me from my thoughts I was relieved. “Myr? You feeling alright?” he asked. “I…don’t know really.” I said pulling my eyes away from the metal sheets, while I pushed them back into place. “Didn’t think so…if I didn’t know better, you have been hanging around Beepu too long.” “Huh?” I said puzzled. “You look like him, staring at all his diagrams, paying no attention to anything else,” Daneath pointed out. I regarded the [I]Apocrypha [/I]for a moment, frowning. “I finally find a way to read this,” gesturing at the silvery cylinder that lay in front of me. “And of course, I find a hint that I am supposed to do…something. Or maybe [B][I]be[/I][/B] something. And yet it doesn’t say why or how. And I don’t seem to have a choice.” Daneath was still for a moment and then spoke, “And you haven’t a clue what?” “No…I have a clue. It just seems to involve…a lot of death.” I said quietly. “Well, you are a priestess of Kelemvor right?” “Kelemvor is about judgement, and about how we handle and deal with the outcomes of death. Not the act of causing it. Death does just fine without help. And now I am told…I am supposed...to…help? I don’t understand it.” Daneath pursed his lips together in thought and then shrugged. “I guess I understand the sudden interest in reading. Do you think you will find the answers there?” I shook my head, “I don’t know. Right now, I…just want to get out of here.” “Well, good news we have got enough provisions from the stuff here, we can easily make our way back without hunting,” Iesa said walking up from downstairs. “And we found a bit of coin for our efforts. Here’s yours Myr,” and he tossed me a small sack of coin. “Also, Beepu looked at the [I]booyagh[/I]’s things. This one only had the purple stone, and he said you should look at it.” And Iesa tossed me a smooth stone. I looked at it for a moment, and then placed it in my belt pouch. Then I stood and picked up the sack to place it my pack. Looking around a moment I asked Iesa “Where are the others?” “The dirty pair crossed over to the moat house to look for stuff. Beepu is on the battlements guiding Foggle in scouting. Darastrix was getting the boat ready for us.” “And Mo?” I asked wondering about Iesa’s best friend. Iesa frowned, “I’m kinda worried; ever since we entered the swamp he’s been hiding in my pack. Doesn’t want to come out much. I’m hoping that getting out of here and back in the grassland will cheer him up.” “I bet he won’t be happy until he gets to a town, where he can climb, poke around, and…bring you gifts.” I said with a wry smile. Iesa returned my grin, “You’re probably are right. I think he would trade some loot just for a tree to climb.” Drik and Drok came up then from downstairs lugging a sack, jingling with metal, followed by Beepu with Foggle on his shoulders, and Darastrix. “Well, Foggle sees no signs of hobgoblins or ogres lurking around,” Beepu said as he started packing his own gear. “Not for miles. Best guess is they headed south.” “Sssouth not sssafe for them,” Darastrix spoke. “More Folk in the meressss to the sssouth.” “More of your tribe?” Iesa turned and asked. “Will ssseek them out. After ssself guide you out.” Darastrix said simply with the barest of shrugs. “We can probably make it out without your help, if you want to find them,” I said. “Resssponsible for ssseeing you sssafe. Think sssoftssskins call it ‘mannerssss.’” He replied. “So, what do we do with our two captives?” Daneath asked. “I’m not walking them back to the Misty Forest.” “Let them go,” I said. “They didn’t fight, they answered our questions. Enough blood has been spilled.” “What’s to stop them from regrouping and following us with that pack of hobgoblins and ogres?” Iesa asked. “Be honest, would [B][I]you[/I][/B] follow us?” Danneath asked. “And besides, Darastrix probably is going to take us back the same way we came which is not a path they know.” “So how do we do this then?” Iesa said looking at all of us. “Iesa, can you give me the key to the pantry?” I asked, and Iesa nodded and handed it to me. “Drik and Drok stay here, everyone else head to the boat; we’ll be down in a moment.” The rest left the room, while the goblins and I went to the pantry door. I then flexed and placed a dull orange light on the doorknob. The instant I did so I heard movement from within and some quick muttering. “Drik, tell them that your [I]booyagh[/I] has put magic on the door. When the light goes out, its safe for them to leave.” Drik nodded and started speaking in goblin to the women with in, while I set the key in the lock, and unlocked the door. From within I heard angry sounds. I looked at the pair, while Drok relayed what they said. “They not believe you; think you want to kill them still.” I shook my head and sighed, “Tell them that if I wanted them dead, I would have done it already.” Drik nodded with a wicked smiled and relayed the message. The voices of the women settled down, and Drik nodded. We then grabbed our things and made our way to the dock where the boat waited to take us away from the fortress. ---- The next two days were a blur for me. One thing we discovered was the Prophesized One was a demanding child. As I expected I was playing nursemaid and general caretaker. So, while he took Pathhorn’s berries easily enough, I found that he wanted to suck on the horn frequently. I was filling it constantly from my waterskin, and I used some strands to make it taste like the berries. The rest of the time he slept on the diskc with me curled next to him, with some linens we scavenged from the fort. When he wasn’t sleeping, he was of course soiling his nappies, which I dutifully cleaned and dried with some strands of the weave. But it was not only during the day I had to do this, but the night as well. Constantly ‘feeding’ him, and otherwise occupying the little hobgoblin. And it was constant. I was mostly focused on trying to keep him quiet, so I was cradling him, bouncing him or otherwise keeping him busy. All in the fevered hope of not attracting any of the swamp’s denizens. So, I didn’t have a lot of time to myself to read, or even think. And while I didn’t mind not walking, I quickly found that I really missed it. But what I really missed was sleep. I found myself slipping into constant naps, when I wasn’t focused on poop, feeding, or keeping the child quiet. It became clear to me, that despite his size, he was still a very young infant, as his schedule centered only on the consumption of food, or its elimination. Occasionally I could hold him, and he would look around with some interest before drifting off to sleep. Sometimes I could put him back in his basket and he would stay asleep. The only good thing that came from this, was that I was excused from watches as my focus was lacking in every way. The monotony of the cycle of sleep and poop was broken on the third morning, when we arrived at the ruined shack on the edge of the swamp where we first met Darastrix. We had just finished our morning meal, and I had just laid the Prophesized One down from his berry meal when we said our goodbyes. “Many thankssss sssoftssskins,” Darastrix said nodding with approval. “May your huntsss met your needssss.” Beepu nodded, “Well I hope that your hunt for your tribe also find success.” And he clasped the large lizardfolk’s hand with his own and firmly shook it. The Lizardfolk gamely returned the unfamiliar gesture and said nothing. Iesa clasped him on the back and spoke as well, “So long Darastrix, perhaps we will see each other again soon.” “Only if sssoftssskin is lossst,” Darastrix said baring his teeth. “You’re getting humor down. That’s good,” and Iesa went over to finishing packing his things. “But wassss not trying to tell joke,” Darastrix said raising his hand as Iesa left in a halfhearted attempt to stop him. But he didn’t get far, before Daneath embraced the Lizardfolk. “Well, softskins do hug those they like and trust; you have earned my respect.” Daneath said to Darastrix. The Lizardfolk who had so awkwardly attempted to hug us on our first meeting found himself unsure on what to do. But he slowly returned the embrace and lightly clasped the warrior on the shoulders. Nodding and saying, “Sssso that issss how it worksss.” Drik and Drok, simply walked over and extended their hands palms up, which Darastrix matched. The two goblins then slapped the lizardfolk’s outstretched hand, much to Darastrix’s surprise. But Darastrix then quickly caught on and reversed the gesture, slapping both the goblins’ hands with little hesitation, and only small winces from Drik and Drok. Finally, I stepped up to the large Lizardfolk and chuckled. He looked at me, and offered a hug, I stepped up towards him and after taking a deep breath, planted a kiss on the cheek of the surprised Darastrix. I wasn’t sure if I would regret it, but as it turned out it was harmless. The scales on his cheek were cool, smooth and dry to my lips, and not wet and moist as I was almost afraid it was. “Why not hugsss?” he asked. I gave an impish shrug and smiled, “It’s a female way of saying thanks.” Darastrix nodded slowly, his mind working to comprehend something, before his eyes widened in realization. “Female? Oh…explainsss much. Ssshefolk also different,” he intoned solemnly. He then without another word, turned away, and stepped back into the waters of the swamp. With a swift lunge, his body dived into the waters barely causing ripples on the surface. His form quickly was hidden by the murky waters, leaving only the lapping sounds of the water at the edge. “So…wait,” Iesa said as he thought about the exchange between us. “Did he not realize you were a girl?” “It probably was not relevant to him. I am not sure how females behave in his tribe, but I am sure Myrai’s behavior is vastly different.” Beepu said. Again, my thoughts were only on sleep as the next two days passed. The Prophesied One was a surly taskmaster on his needs; food, a clean nappy, warmth, and something to suck on. I think I managed to walk on my own perhaps three times, before something called me back to the disc. The nights were getting cooler as we moved closer and closer to the Misty Forest, and I found myself having to snuggle closely with the child to keep him warm, as the linens he had with him, did little to retain warmth. But it was this strange imperative to keep quiet that was difficult. No one wanted to risk a tirade in the swamp, and it continued as we travelled the grass plains as well. Hushed tones during the day, and since I was the one with the child, only the barest pleasantries. In between my naps I wanted to talk intelligently, and not keep the infant entertained. In two days though we had arrived back at the ruined village. It had changed a little since we left, as it appeared to have been picked clean by the villagers we had rescued. But of the former prisoners, there was no sign. But it was here that we again said goodbye. “Time to go to Skullport,” Drik said gesturing at the road that would eventually lead to Daggerford. “Home,” Drok said simply nodding. “You could still come with us,” Iesa said hopefully. “I don’t know how I would find all the clumsy targets without you.” “That, and finding his…um…’Oneness,’” Daneath gestured to the basket that quietly lay on the disc nearby. “We thank all from freeing us,” Drik said somberly. “Did not want to fight for horde,” Drok nodded. “Safe travels,” Daneath said and took a turn shaking each goblin’s hand. “Yeah,” said Iesa, following his brother. “I’ve always wanted to see Skullport. If we ever get back to Waterdeep, I’ll have to get a message to you.” Beepu stood there with arms across his chest and his eyes narrowed. Finally, he sighed and looked at each of them before speaking. “My mistrust was misplaced. You were…decent companions. I do wish for you to have a safe journey north.” The pair looked at each other and nodded, before addressing the gnome. “Beepu may not be taller,” Drik started and Beepu’s face looked to explode in rage when Drik said. “But owl is better than hat.” And with that the tension in the air subsided, and the gnome chuckled. Finally, I came over and knelt down by the pair. I glanced at each of them and asked. “So, assuming you aren’t afraid of the ugly magic woman,” which caused them both to look at me in shock, which then faded into maybe an expression of guilt. I touched the symbol of Kelemvor on my neck and said a quick prayer. “Please protect our friends as they travel home. May you live your lives to their fullest.” I then touched each on the forehead, believing that they would find their path home. “Myrai is nice [I]Booyahg,” [/I]Drik said with a grin. “Maybe not ugly,” Drok said nodding. At which point the three of us laughed, followed quickly by the others. They then turned, with their packs full of trinkets and things, and their crossbows at the ready, and they started to march on their long journey home. We then turned and headed to the south, to climb back up out of the valley. “I am really going to miss them,” Iesa said somberly. “What you needed two little brothers?” Daneath asked. “I thought Mo was his little brother,” Beepu said with a smirk. “Hah hah…no. They were…just…interesting.” Iesa said wistfully. “Well,” I said as I climbed back on the disc to hang on the basket as we ascended. “Something tells me that you are going to forget all about them soon enough.” “Yeah the elves will probably do exactly that. But…” “But what?” I asked as I sat down. “I at least understood Drik and Drok. And that was something.” The next day, Daneath had released the bauble, and we were dutifully following it to Whitepetal. The hills gave way to forest, the air growing cooler, and the smells more fragrant than the dusty plains below. I lay there on Beepu’s disc watching the sun light through the trees, mentally adrift. The day was trying, as his ‘Oneness’ had been more temperamental than before. Pathhorn’s berries while satisfying for a day, only worked if you consumed them. For most of the day I spent time trying to convince him to take the horn, but he just wanted something else. In my tired state it took me a while to come up with the idea to use the strand to change the flavor from a berry to milk like taste. It was so difficult I was tempted to ask Beepu to cast a spell on both of us to put us asleep. But in the end I somehow managed to feed him and settle him down. So, there I was in a mental fog staring upwards, when I realized we were on the outskirts of Whitepetal. I saw the bridges overhead, threading their way throughout the branches far above. I sat up, and looking ahead, I saw the familiar lift descending that would take us up to the branches above. Once Beepu’s disc came to a stop, I slid off and packed away the blankets that I laid out and picked up the basket with the “Prophesized One” fast asleep. The elves at the lift saw us, and the look on their faces was warm. Smiles and knowing nods was visible clearly, compared to the tired and weary ones that we had left, and the suspicious and guarded ones on our first meeting. But as we stepped onto the wooden planks of the lift, their faces looked at me with confusion as I brought the basket with me. And as the lift moved upwards into the leaves above, the quiet cooing of his Oneness only created more curious and puzzled stares. “That…that…[B][I]child[/I][/B] is the ‘Prophesized One’?” Galenas exclaimed incredulously gesturing at the babe in my arms. Alanathia, came closer and looked closely at the child I cradled in my arms. He had awoken a little while ago, so I gave him a horn of some water to keep him quiet, while we told our story. But of course, the reveal of a hobgoblin child, changed the conversations direction. “Well…yes,” Beepu said simply spreading his hands wide. “How can you be certain?” Galenas accused. “Firstly, we have a journal that describes his arrival, and how their [I]boo[/I]…er sorcerer was basically elevating the child as their future leader. But it is the second fact that is interesting; he cannot be targeted by spells from the Weave.” Alanathia’s head swiveled to regard the gnome. “What do you mean?” “I literally cannot target him with a spell that could hurt him, and I suspect not with one that allow for divination.” Beepu stated. “And I did try several different ones. From the perspective of the Weave, he does not exist. We believe this is why he has been so difficult to find.” Alanathia sat next to me and looked at the hobgoblin child frowning. She placed a hand on his forehead and closed her eyes her lips whispering under her breath. Then she looked at her brother frowning. “It is so,” she said quietly. “I cannot affect him, for good or ill.” She sighed and withdrew her hand and looked at me steadily. “But why did you bring him here?” “When we first found him, we didn’t know what to do,” I said returning her gaze. As I spoke, I realized I could hear the exhaustion and sadness in my own voice. I knew that the fate of this child would be determined elsewhere, and likely beyond my own control. But I continued, nevertheless. “But it wasn’t until we examined the journal and interrogated a pair of prisoners, we discovered that he was brought to—” “—That was already mentioned, who cares where it came fr—” Galenas said impaitently. “—Because it was an [I]elf[/I] that brought him to the hobgoblin leaders.” I cut back in. The pair of the elves were shocked at this revelation. “An elf?” Alanathia said softly in disbelief. “I do not understand. Why would an elf be involved in this?” “We didn’t understand either at first,” I said realizing the elves were staring at me intensely. “But we also discovered who it was that did it. Paradros.” Alanathia and Galenas looked at each other. Across their faces came a look of disgust. Alanathia then looked downwards with a frown, trying to calm her anger. Galenas however did not even attempt it. “How dare that [I]n’Quess[/I] betray his kin. How many [I]Quessir[/I] are dead because of this?!” he growled in anger. Alanathia then looked at us all. “I doubt he did this on his own, but at the behest of the Kershak.” She said with sorrow on her voice. “I personally never liked nor trusted Paradros. But he and his ilk were given passage by Melandrach so we trusted in his judgement. It seems that that Melandrach’s trust has been breached.” She then stood and crossed the room towards the open window in the hall. “I suppose then we should also apologize,” she spoke again, gazing at the forest in the setting light. “What for?” Daneath asked. “When we requested your aid, it was indeed a test of your worthiness. However, shortly after your departure, we were given a message to send you to Melandrach at once…but you had already left the forest. I cannot say what would have changed if we had delivered that message, but I cannot say I am…displeased with the outcome as things are now.” “You mean we coul—” Beepu started, before Iesa clapped down a hand over the gnome’s mouth. “—It’s not a problem,” he said while Beepu glared at him. “No, we are happy we could end the hobgoblin’s assault,” Daneath said, quickly jumping in. “When should we leave?” “An escort will be provided to guide you to him,” Alanthia said. “You can set out tomorrow.” “Excuse me,” I said. “What do we do with…” as I nodded towards the sleeping hobgoblin. “Yes…I would have left him for his own worgs were he anything but a infant.” Alanathia said frowning. “But with Paradros being involved, there are questions that must be answered. We will take this burden from you; there are some sages and priests that will need to be consulted.” I looked at the sleeping figure in my arms with concern. I didn’t want to be attached, but I found myself feeling responsible. I turned to look at the elven woman, and as if she read my thoughts. “Do not worry, we will treat him well. And we will find a place where he can be taken care of.” She said smiling. I nodded. “Alright…he at least needs some proper milk; berries aren’t quite what he needs.” And with a wave or Alanathia’s hand, a pair of elves, one male and one female came into the room. She whispered to them in elven and they nodded. They came over to me, and the female gently took the now sleeping form of the Prophesized One from my arms, while the male collected the basket and blankets. And then like that, he was gone, taken somewhere deeper into the village of Whitepetal. I sighed. It was strange; days ago, I was faced with the possibility of having to kill him rather than let him starve. Now here I was worried about what the elves would do to him when I wasn’t there to protect him. It had been so long since I took care of a child, and even then, never more than for a feeding. Having now done so for the better part of five days I hadn’t realized that despite the exhaustion that, caring for such a little one would be…fulfilling. In my heart I realized I was going to miss my former foe, even if he never knew it. [/QUOTE]
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