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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 8008413" data-attributes="member: 6971069">Friends and Consequences - 6/9/2020 I once took pride in being as independent as possible; you could only trust yourself and others may not have your back.   But those are both lies; you can’t always trust yourself all the time because of bias, experiences and beliefs, and you can trust others because many if not prevented from doing so, will help.   But the real dark is that its all connected.  Realizing you might be a part of the problem usually takes an external perspective and depending on the right people to tell you that.  And those same people are probably the ones that can help you.  Both are all about making choices about trust. But sometimes, the choices they make affect you too, whether they intended them to, or not.“…and so, I call these four Athkaraye, for what they have done for the Tel’quessir.   We honor you.   Uluvathae!”  Melandrach spoke to the crowd gathered in the main hall of the great tree.  It was late in the evening, with the full moon overhead.  Light from magics glittered across water and crystal, giving the room the experience of being a part of the night sky.  Which explained name of the place we now stood; ‘The Hall of Stars.’   Here the four noble houses and the well born of the elves smiled and spoke prettily about our exploits.   Or at least most of it.  The fate of the Prophesied One was a dark to all but Melandrach’s trusted aides.  But it didn’t matter.  The elves had paid respects to the dead in the morning, and now we were the focus of their attention.Of the four of us, Beepu was the least happy to be here.  He made it no secret that he had work to do.  He wore a simple tunic with a belt with brass fittings, breeches and his traveling boots.  But while he was unhappy at the distraction, he did find respite in the food and drink being served.  While the wood elves were not as keen on the use of magic, they did not shun it.  So, he did have a gathering of wizards, to share bits of knowledge about their craft with each other.Iesa and Daneath had matching attire, both clothed in burgundy tunics and dark breeches with black trim.  Each wore a dagger with a bright golden sheath.  Their hair was finally trimmed, and Daneath had found time to shave.  Their dark hair was oiled and slicked back, and they were both happy to talk about their battles outside the Misty Forest.  They were surrounded by the younger rangers and warriors of the elves and making assertions and challenges to be carried out in the following days.As for myself, Arnara had helped me prepare for the evening.  She had introduced me to a tailor that was able to craft a dress with a high collar with a keyhole neckline in the front.  It was dyed a deep blue, with small golden chains framing my chest, which cascading down from my shoulders to my wrists.  My hair was tied into braids, with black ribbon woven between the tresses, finally tying off in knots on the ends.  The dress was belted with a silken rope, with golden tassels.  It was draped from my hips with the ends plunging down in front of me, swaying back and forth as I walked on soft black leather boots, no higher than my ankle.  Of course, Arnara walked beside me.  She was dressed in a white dress, with a dark silk belt around her waist.  Her hair was in a single long braid, that was pulled around and draped down her front.  As we walked, she whispered to me about who I was meeting, and interesting tidbits about them as we moved our way through the hall.  Floating behind us, were our glasses of wine ever at our beck and call, through a ritual I was maintaining.  And of course, I was attracting my own set of elves.“I don’t see why you think I am going to gather all the attention,” I said to Arnara as we left for the hall.  “Sure, I’m a ha-celas, but why is that important?”“That’s simple,” Arnara said smiling.  “We haven’t seen one here in perhaps a hundred years.  And none here can claim to have seen other planes or seen a city like Sigil.  Many elves live a long time, so anything new piques their interest.”And she was right; they were drawn to me because I was a change.  Magic?  Archery?  Tactics?  They were all interesting I suppose, but the elves wanted to hear about new things; they craved it more than anything, because for them there was so little that was new.  And now I was the bright sun of the evening, beckoning them to hear tales from far beyond.  I told stories about Sigil; explained what the factions were, the Lady of Pain. How a Deva would be seen in the same street as a Cornugon, and exchange frosty words not blows.   Even the monster Cadyx had a moment, as part of a grisly tale of fear involving a dead dharrow in a rope web.  After a while, Melandrach pulled the four of us together for a private moment.  Arnara excused herself and disappeared into the crowd, while Melandrach spoke.“I do hope you understand the honor given; the first time in two centuries that any have been called a friend of Tel’Quessir.”“It means we are welcome here always,” I said having a little more context from Arnara.  “That shelter will be gladly given as honored guests.”“Quite right.  And it cannot be taken from you.  It is why it is so rarely given.    I am quite glad to have given it to you for it was timely that I did so.  The Kershak, have made their displeasure known.  To put it briefly, they have demanded you never leave here again.  A demand I will not grant.”“We are in your debt I suppose,” Daneath said.“No, you are not.  Their threats do not concern me.  But I do offer you words of caution; once you leave here, it may become difficult to return.  I fear you will be harried and pursued.”“So, what should we do?  Hide here?” Iesa asked.“Nothing of the sort; but come to me when you are ready.  I will ensure you have a head start.  After all it will be eight weeks until your armor is done correct Daneath?  Until you decide to leave, I will ensure your safety.”“Perhaps only six; the armorer is very skilled.”“Well, I did not want to give you concern, but I wanted to tell you when so you can make appropriate decisions when needed.  I do have others to see this evening, and I bid you farewell…for now.”  Melandrach nodded to us, and he moved towards a collection of elves waiting nearby, leaving the four of us together for the first time in weeks.We stood there awkwardly digesting what the monarch said, looking each other over.  Finally, Iesa broke the silence.“That pout, does nothing for you in that dress, Myr.”I felt my cheeks blush, “Well, this time wearing a dress was slightly more fun than the last time.  And you both look well,” I said to the brothers.  “And much more put together since the last time I saw you.”Iesa chuckled while Daneath turned beet red stammering, “I didn’t um expect to see so um…much of you,”Beepu sighed, “Oh let me guess, you went to the bathing pools here, ill prepared.”“They were prepared,” I smirked.  “They just saw more than they were anticipating.  You look good Beepu.  A little rounder though.”“They keep bringing me fruit!  And while the mind runs, I apparently do not run enough.” The gnome said sourly.  “But it does not matter, I must go.” And Beepu turned, with drink in hand and walked away towards where the Lyceum lay.“What’s the matter?” I asked watching him depart.“He’s not making headway,” Iesa replied.  “I went with Mo to see him, and I swore he hadn’t bathed in days.  He looked terrible and his temper was worse.  He actually had Foggle chase Mo out, and almost hit me with a blast of fire.”“You didn’t tell me that,” Daneath said surprised.“What were you going to do?  Beat him up?” Iesa asked.“Well…no.  but that is a bit extreme.”“Anyway, as he chased me away it was clear that he was frustrated.  Papers and scrolls everywhere.  In the morning I stopped by that library place.  Seems even the elves were avoiding him, and his temper has been getting worse.”“I can imagine,” I said understanding the frustration.  “How about you two?”“Daneath has been sparring with the elves, keeping up his skills.” Iesa said smiling.“Make any money yet?” “Some,” he said with a grin, “They at least play fair and we return the favor.  But there was one that just handed Daneath—”“—His codpiece?” I asked smiling.“No!  They played fair remember!  He used a rapier, Daneath never touched him.”I looked at Daneath and he was nodding at the memory, “It was true.  He was literally dancing around me.  Every time my blade would get close, he would slap it away.  And he was fast!   Not just in how he moved the blade, but just how he moved with his feet.  And as he moved, I swore that I could cut the air with the blade, and each one would give off a different note.  It was like he wasn’t fighting but was instead conducting music.  I have to say it was a lot of fun chasing him around the field.”“Who was he?” I asked.“Elanthyr I believe.  The other elves held him in high respect.  And he only sparred once with me…but that once was enough.  I was exhausted afterwards trying to keep up.”“What about you Iesa?”“Hunting actually,” Iesa said with a dreamy smile.  “They have a patience here on taking shots that I appreciate.  Moving to get the right look, and only letting an arrow fly when you are certain of hitting it in the neck.  I was out in the forest for a week, only to track down a single stag.  But when I finally let it loose; it was magical.”“Couldn’t wipe the smile off his face for days,” Daneath said nudging his brother, who kept smiling.   “Hey Myr, we’re going to some of the other gatherings nearby.  Apparently, it is a bit livelier with the music, drink and dancing as well.  Want to join us?”“Maybe.  I was still being introduced to some of the families here.  They like listening to my stories.” I said politely, and extended my hand for my glass, which I grasped, sipped and released.  It then returned to float behind me.“Well I can tell you like the wine at least,” Daneath said.  “We’ll see you later.”  And I watched the pair bound off smiling to a distant spot of lights in the darkness. As I looked, I realized there were many of these spots, where shadowy figures danced, the notes of instruments, and the light voices of song could be heard.  The entire community near the great tree was in celebration, not just the court of the king.   I decided to ask Arnara about it, and I sent out to find her.The court had its music as well, as harps and lyres played softly in corners around the halls of wood beneath the tree.  The tones reverberated through the natural columns and beams that stretched throughout the main hall.   It was such that the strings echoed vibrantly even though the player was nowhere near.Listening to the music and feeling it throughout my being, put me in no rush to find Arnara.  But as I sought her out, I found that she was a topic of discussion as I wandered.“…Arnara has been staying with her I understand,” said a voice out of sight, around a pillar of wood.“How lucky.  The ha-celas is interesting to listen to,” said another.“I heard that she demanded something…something scandalous though,” said the first.“What?” said several elves at once.“A bed!” the first said in a hushed tone.”“Reeeallly?” said another elf in surprise.“They barely know each other!” a third said.I stood there, out of sight of this conversation in shock.  I knew that the topic of a bed was somewhat sensitive.  But I didn’t know that it would be seen as scandalous.   As I thought more, I realized that Arnara not only knew that, but was willing to ask anyway, no matter how it might look.  I straightened myself up and walked around the pillar.There huddled closely were five elves talking.  And of course, one saw me, and her eyes opened wide, sensing they had been caught in something unseemly.  But before she could warn the others.  I spoke in Elvish.“She knows me well enough that my back aches trying to get a good night ‘sleep’ on a divan.  Excuse me,” I said using the common word for sleep as I wasn’t sure what the right word was in Elvish.  The five all nodded their heads respectfully and with some embarrassment, and quickly left in a hurry. I worried how much of a scandal I was causing, when I saw Melandrach again, taking his leave of another elf.  This one I knew from description only, but after hearing what I did, I felt compelled to talk with him.“Kylan Ustina?” I asked wearing a smile as I approached the elven elder. The raven-haired man turned to look at me with surprise. His eyes were the same shade of blue that Arnara had.  His face still had the vitality of youth, with only the slightest creases around the eyes to indicate that he was older.  He nodded politely at my inquiry.“I would like to thank you for your daughter’s assistance these last few weeks.  She has been a wonderful help understanding the Tel-Quesir.  She does me great honor.”“Does she?” he said simply, but I could just detect the tone of disapproval under his breath.  I gulped and continued.“Yes.  She…appears to perform as a Sonalta should,” I paused trying to put what I was thinking into words, hoping my elvish was sufficient for this.  “And I realize not being Tel’Quessir has required some adjustment.   And some…difficulties in understanding.”“Difficulties.  In what way?  In attempting to…bed?” he said dryly, leaving no room for polite maneuvering.“That…that was only so I could sleep and nothing more.  If I had known how it would appear—”“—I understand your problem in that regard,” he said with a scant smile.  “The others have had them provided as well,” so I have no doubt of your intent with it.I exhale relieved for a moment. “However,” he said catching me short, “Her infatuation with you is…distracting.  Arnara has much to focus on in the coming years.   But I trust when you depart, everything will return to as it should be.  Now If you excuse me.” And Kylan turned, and moved towards another gathering of elves, leaving me alone in my awkwardness."That could have gone—“ I whispered aloud.“—Better?” Arnara finished as she approached me from behind.I turned to look at her guiltily.  “I didn’t realize I was a—”“—You aren’t.  My father is just concerned.   You have done nothing wrong.  My lack of discretion has embarrassed him.  Not yours.  It will pass.” She said.“I think I am done for the evening,” I said the feeling of emotional exhaustion creeping up on me.Arnara nodded.  “Let us return, so you can get some…. oh, the word is ka’sana in elvish.”“Ka’sana…yes.  That.  Thanks, Arnara.” I said and she took my arm and patted my hand.“There is nothing to concern yourself.  And do not trouble yourself about my father.  I will handle it when the time is appropriate.”I nodded, and we walked down into the gardens, to find one of the many paths to return me to the house by the pond.I sighed and looked up as we walked, seeing the stars and the moon Selune through the branches of the trees, marveling at the night sky.  I felt the touch of a soft breeze upon my cheek as we walked together, wondering what else might be in store for me this evening. I screamed and sat upright with a start.   My heart was pounding as my hand clasped at my chest, as if to keep it from escaping.   In my head were images of blood and horror fading fast.A blade swiftly cutting air.A red skinned head with dark black hair twisting, covered in blood.As the hair twisted, a different face came into view, cold and beautiful with a look of cruelty on the sneering face.A candy of red cinnamon, bouncing off the cobbles on the ground, which shattered the street, which then collapsed into darkness.Me falling into the pitch, screaming.And now I found myself screaming on the floor, surrounded by sheets, pillows, and cushions, trying to put my thoughts back together, and the memories back into a long-forgotten box.“Myrai?  What on--?” Arnara said, sitting upright in her divan, throwing her book on to a low table nearby.    She knelt next to me, placing a hand on my forehead, as if looking for fever.“I’m…I’m fine.  Just a nightmare.”Arnara nodded, and stood moving towards the pantry and returning with a goblet, saying “Drink this,”I grasped the cup and gulped, tasting fruit, spice and herbs.  Its taste wasn’t familiar to me, and I turned to look at her.“It will sooth you, and still your heart,” she said.  I nodded and kept drinking, finishing it off.  I put the goblet down on the table, and then flopped down again on the nest of sheets and pillow in the room, taking deep breaths.“This…this is why you drink so much?”  Arnara softly asked.I nodded, saying nothing.“It…hurts?”I nodded again.“Why?”I sighed and between clenched teeth and muttered, “Because the pain won’t stop.”  I took another sip and continued.  “Sometimes I remember the details, most times I don’t.   But it always seems to be about my sister.”“You have a sister?” Arnara started.  “You’ve never said any—”“—She was killed in front of me, after she bought me candy for my name day, nine years ago.  Anyway, we weren’t really sisters, we just liked…believing we were.”“That’s horrible!  Who would do such a thing and why?”“A spiv was running, and she…was…in the way.  And…and…” I closed my eyes, looking for the courage to say that name.  That name I cursed for years in my head.  The name of all that pain wrapped around me just as her own dark tresses wrapped around her lithe elusive figure.“And…Pentar,” I finally spat out her name “cut her down all the same, just to kill the spiv.” I said sadly.  I didn’t cry; there were no tears left for this nightmare.  Just a tired resignation of a past I couldn’t change and never escape.“Your dreams haunt you. Do they always?”I furrowed my brow for a moment, “I don’t know. I try not to think about them.  I guess it’s a good thing you never have to experience them.” I said.  As I laid there, I could feel the herbs in the drink work their way into me, calming my heart, and letting me feel at peace.“I…suppose.   I admit I…like watching you sleep.  But I would rather you have pleasant dreams and not these nightmares,” Arnara said, as she again sat on her divan and then leaned over, her hand touching my shoulder.“I…can…agree…with—”My mind faded to darkness as the herbs took hold and ferried me away.  I just barely remember thinking that maybe I should move into ‘that room’ when everything faded. Session notes:On one hand, elves are so common in D&D, but on the other, we only the highest level of detail.   Snippets of culture, and belief.  So, learning about elves isn’t the same as learning elvish, and yet when you try to research this stuff you find a lot of oddball holes, some of which I poke at for fun here.But the same is true with Lizardfolk (which is why I like Jhasspok in <a href="https://www.enworld.org/threads/raiders-of-the-overreach.667954/" target="_blank">Raiders of the Overreach</a>), trying to play a character that isn’t in the words of Marc W. Miller, ‘a human in a funny suit’ takes work, and sometimes the details matter.  It makes for interesting characters and hopefully interactions, which is the stuff I like.  Writing about it is a bonus.</blockquote>

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