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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 8012749" data-attributes="member: 6971069">An Elven dark and bitter urgency - 6/15/2020 The best darks are someone else’s secret shame.“That is the most…gorgeous piece of work I have ever seen,” I said, my eyes wide.  I leaned in closer to look at the polished silvery cuirass and could see my own mirrored eyes reflected in them.“Stop that, you’ll fog it all up!” Daneath said.  The big warrior had speed but not the grace of his brother, but you wouldn’t know it watching him wear this set of plate.  It was a suit made for him and him alone with nothing ill fitting.  Just as remarkably was as he moved, there was little sound; the plates slid over each other smoothly and noiselessly, and the buckle didn’t clatter against the metal.   It was a far better set than the mish mash of hobgoblin and human armor he had before, which made him sound like a small smithy when he moved.“So that’s why you asked us here, in arms and armor…to watch you strut?”  Iesa asked.  His former set of leather had finally worn out and now had been replaced with a new one, dark black  and with close sets of copper rivets, that had been treated to have the look of corroded copper, without compromising the strength.   It would clearly blend well in the foliage and the darkness easily.“Ye---er no!  No, I wanted to spar and get a feel of it, with people I normally work with.” He said glaring at Iesa.“Sure, you did; then why is Myrai here?  She never spars.” Iesa pointed out.“Because she IS in the thick of it with me, healing your sorry ass,” Daneath retorted.  “Besides, I heard from Talans she also had something made.“I did too!” Iesa said, pointing to his studded chest.“Well…hers was in steel, and I wanted to see it.”“Well, I’m wearing it,” I said spinning on the toes of my boots.  Talans called it 'amber steel’ for good reason; it wasn’t the silvery shine of mithral that Daneath wore, nor was it the dull metal of the chain I had prior.  It was closer to a bright brass in color, but with far greater durability.  The piece was a curiass, with a small set of faulds, to cover my hips.  It was exactly what I wanted, something that didn’t require as much time to repair as the chain shirt I had before and had stronger protection.  And because of the few parts, it also was quiet when I needed to be so.“It is…form fitting,” Iesa said admiringly.“You’re just jealous that my chest is bigger than yours!” I said.“Now wait—“ Iesa started to say, but was drowned out by Daneath’s laughter as he caught Iesa comparing his pectorals to my bosom.  Iesa clamped his mouth shut and then started to laugh as well.“Alright, that is funny…not what I meant, but funny.” Iesa said wiping a tear.  “And it does look better than Daneath’s cast offs.”“I should hope so…I had to remove a lot of links to make it work, and it never did sit quite right.” I said.  “But are you serious; you wanted to…spar?” I asked.“Why not.  I mean come on, when is the last time we sparred?  Secomber?”“No, we—”“Daggerford!”“Um..no, we—”“Waterdeep then?”“No Daneath, we—"“Yartar! Of course, after we rescued—”“No Daneath, we have n—”“Wait…did we in Triboar?”“Um, D,” Iesa interrupted.  “I keep telling you, she doesn’t spar.”Daneath frowned and thought.  He opened his mouth and raised his finger twice, before saying “I know!  We …oh wait that was Iesa.”I waited patiently for him to come to the truth.“You’re right.  We never did…why is that?”“Truth?  You never asked, and I always had something else on my mind, so I never did.” I said shrugging.“Oh…does that mean you don’t—”“Look I’m up now early in the morning, might as well.”“Ok…but I don’t think its fair.” Iesa said.“What you are afraid of Myrai might actually beat you?”“That’s optimi—“ I started when Iesa said.”“She has an audience cheering her on!” and he pointed at Arnara seated on a bench overlooking the field. She unlike most days wore a set of soft breeches, tunic and soft leather vest, typical wear for the elves near the training grounds.   But at the sound of her name, she quickly sat up, pulling her nose out of her book and snapped it closed.“I’ll cheer quietly then, as not to trouble you.” She said trying to sound helpful.“See, she’ll be polite and will pat me on the back saying that you boys ganged up on me,” I smirked.“Right sh—wait.  That’s not right!”  Iesa said in protest.“And besides you do have your own audience,” Daneath pointed at Mo, who was sleeping on a branch of a nearby tree.  “See, his faith in you is so high, he doesn’t need to look.”“Hah hah, funny.” Iesa frowned sourly.“Look, we’ll take turns, at each other.” Daneath said.  You and Iesa first” Daneath said to me.Iesa drew his rapier and looked at me with that grin, “No magic Myr!”I drew my own, “Fine, no sand in the face, low blows, or pointing at…who is that?” I said pointing with my blade at Iesa.“Huh?” Iesa said and turned to which I smiled and lunged, only to have iesa spin and parry off my strike.“Oh…so that’s how you are going to play?”“I learned from the best,” I smiled hopefully, while thinking that I had made a horrible mistake.Nine bouts later it was clear that as far as sword work was concerned, Daneath was generally the best, with Iesa a close second, and I was a distant third.  I did win a bout each against Iesa and Daneath, and it all came down to if I managed to land a blow first, I could keep just ahead.  Iesa had problems working around my shield, but when he did it was usually enough.  Against Daneath it was just hard to find an opening period.  Daneath would just knock my shield out of the way with his broad blade, but I was a little lighter on my feet. But not enough.When the two brothers pitted themselves against each other, it generally favored Daneath.  For Iesa, the armor and shield on the big warrior, made it very difficult to land a blow on Daneath.  Conversely, Iesa’s agility just made it hard to connect any blow with Daneath slower sword.  But his blade wasn’t as easy to parry or block with the lighter rapiers we used.“Well, you aren’t bad Myr,” Iesa grinned, as he drank from water from a skin he brought.  “You might need some practice is all.”I shook my head, “It’s not what I focus on; I can’t exactly do what I normally do.  I might actually kill you.”  And took the skin from him and swallowed some water, before passing it to Daneath.“I suppose that wouldn’t be a spar then.  Oh well,” Iesa shrugged.“She’s actually pretty good with a rapier,” Daneath said after finishing off the skin.  “And most rapier wielders can’t use a shield worth a damn against an arming sword, or worse a heavy mace."“Thanks,” I said.  “So, the armor passes the test?”“It does; I can’t imagine wearing anything else.” Daneath grinned.“You might need to take it off to get some sleep.” Iesa pointed out.“Nope nope…I’ll just have you hunt up some rabbits, line it with fur and sleep in it.”“I’m not cleaning that, magic or no.” I said wrinkling my nose.“Probably best; I’ll be heading to Talans to tell him how it worked out, and to get some spare straps.  Talk to you later!” Daneath called as he headed towards the smithy.As I stood there, I felt a touch on my shoulder.  Turning I found Arnara looking at me and she asked a question.  “Can you show me how to use that?”“What a rapier?” I said surprised.  “Sure…wait a second.  Hey Iesa, can I borrow your blade for the morning?”“Hmm, sure.  I’m going hunting and I don’t bring it for that,” he unbuckled his belt, and handed the blade to me.  He then glanced at the elf and looked at me quizzically.  “You going to teach her?”“I’m going to show her, I’m no sword master.”“Play it safe Myr.  Have fun.”  And Iesa headed off to his dwelling.I drew my blade and handed it to Arnara.  She grasped it and moved the blade around in a broad cutting motion.   I smiled and said, “It’s not a arming blade or a longsword.   You usually thrust with it, and only some like mine have a cutting edge near the end.”“I know…I watched.  I am trying to feel its balance.  It has far less in the blade as well.”I nodded, “Elves don’t practice with the rapier?”  I asked.“Some do; it isn’t as much tradition as the longsword.  It’s funny my house had a sacred blade, a moonsword that was a rapier unlike most of them.  But I haven’t used one before.”“Had?”“Yes…few moonblades were ever made, and a good number have been lost; unable to find a worthy heir or lost in battle to foes never knowing their value.  So, it was with ours.  But even still, I think everyone in the house uses a longsword.”“Well, I wouldn’t have known you never have used one based on your stance.  It’s probably better than mine.”“Can you teach me?”“I can show you some basic moves.  If you like it, you might find someone here to teach you with better skills.”“That sounds fair,”“I’ll trust you’ll remember that later.“Why do say that?”“Because you’re going to be sore.  Now, swing low…”[HR][/HR]The sun was setting, and I lay on a divan on the porch.  I was playing with another creation, one that was easier than the rod.  I discovered at the celebration that I liked the ritual to create a true servant to hold my things allowing me to keep my hands free.  So in the weeks after I created a slim wand that could replicate the effect.   It was a small toy, but it was a useful exercise on creating useful items, so I didn’t have to spend time or personal energy to make things easier.  But it was all Gossamer’s fault.I had some wine at hand, and I was using the servant to slowly move and keep Gossamer in a ray of light as he slept.  I found I had far less lectures from him, the more his fur soaked up the warmth of the sun.  I just was tired of getting up and moving him, or casting and creating a hand every time he asked, while I was in the middle of something.  A wand made this so much easier, especially because I didn’t need to think about it at all.As I sipped my wine, I heard the door open as Arnara had returned from her errands, and as it had been traditional for the last ten weeks, I greeted her in Elvish, while she responded in Celestial which she was trying to learn from me.“Welcome.  Did the springs sooth your pain from the spar?”“Yes.  You were an infernal female for beating me so.”I frowned, “Not infernal, cruel.  Long E on the second syllable.  Beating might be the wrong word, but technically accurate,” I said in common.“Argh.  Its been weeks, you think I would get that right.” Arnara said flustered.“It’s an old and very particular tonal language.  How matters as much as the what.  Its why I sound so stilted in Elvish, I keep trying to apply tone in areas that don’t need it.”  I turned my head to look at her.  “Why don’t we let it rest today in honor of your bruises.”“You are sooo kind,” Arnara said dryly.  “But I…I have a favor to ask of you.”  She said and sat down on a divan across from me.“Sure, what is it?” I said sipping my wine.“I…I…want to sleep with you.”My wine flew from my mouth as I almost choked on it.  I sputtered ungracefully, “Wait what?”“Did I say?…Oh No no no.” her face changed from innocent, to horrified to embarrassed swiftly. “Not like that!   Let…let me explain better.”  She took a deep breath.“You know that Elves do a reverie to relax right?” Arnara said. “What you call ‘Trancing’”I nodded, “I think you said that as adults you remember your past and reflect on them, like an exercise.  Because elves can’t sleep and dream like everyone else.”“Yes…but not quite right.   You see…elves can dream.   We can sleep.”I sat up straight.  “I thought that was impos—”“No.  We cannot be compelled to, but we can if we want.  It is…it is socially frowned upon to put it simply.  But the clergy of Sahanie Moonbow do sleep and take guidance from her that way.”“I had never heard of this,” I said. “It is…not discussed with those not of Tel’Quessir.  And truth be told only several elves in a generation try it, mostly to satisfy a curiosity.  But they never talk about it.  It is a…private matter.”“And you want to sleep...by me?”“Not exactly…I want you to watch me.  In the same way I watch you.”“This isn’t about repaying something is it?”“No,” she said.  “It is because you said once, to understand the multi-verse you have to experience it.  I don’t understand the dreams you have, how they make you feel.  But I want to.”I nodded slowly, as I realized she was serious about it, “You don’t have to do this for me.”“I’m not.  I’m doing it for me.  I just want you to be there when I wake up. And I want you to never tell anyone what happens.”“Of course.  I will be here, and I won’t tell anyone.  I am going to need a lot of tea.”Arnara smiled and bowed her head.  “I have some for myself to…assist, and for some for you to stay awake.”“I’ll get a kettle going.”[HR][/HR]We had both changed into robes, and with a cup of tea in each of our hands, we entered ‘that room’ together.  Arnara sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, and took a breath and swallowed the tea, which had the scent of chamomile, lavender and valerian wafting from the steam.  She then pulled her legs on to the bed and lay flat on her back staring straight up.I quickly swallowed my tea, which was a dark bitter and black with a tinge of spice and sat next to her on the bedside and held her hand.   She was breathing quickly, and nervously, and I tried to calm her.“Why is my heart pounding like this?”“You’re doing something very new…I suppose a little fear is appropriate.”“I’m not afraid!” she said glaring at me.  I sighed and smiled and said nothing.  “Alright I’m a little afraid.   I know what I am not supposed to do, but I don’t know what I am supposed to.”“Sometimes we have a hard time sleeping too…Some villagers count sheep.”“Sheep?  Why sheep?”“Because…I have no idea,” I shook my head.  “Try counting something else…arrows maybe?”“Arrows?  That sounds vaguely…”“Flower petals?”“Alight…I like that…so what?  Slowly.”“Yes, that works.  One rose petal, two lavender,” and I motioned with my hand for her to continue.“Ok…just promise you won’t leave me,” She said her eyes relaxing.“I won’t leave.”“Alright, one rose petal…two lavender petals…three orchid petals…four…”It took a while, around forty mistletoe petals before her eyes closed and the elf fell asleep.  It was strange. I had watched her trance of course, but there her eyes always were focused on something, just not you normally.  Wide open, slowly blinking, their movements slow and precise for reasons of comfort.Here it was different, her limbs were now slack, her breathing deep, and her eyes closed and focusing inwards.  Her face was now smooth and flat as the muscles relaxed completely…perhaps for the first time in her life.  Where once she was flat on her back, she now curled onto a pillow and clutched it, as I sat on the chair by the desk and watched and read.What I was reading, was the book she always carried.  It turned out to be a spellbook, but unlike the one that Beepu carried, this one was illuminated with gold leaf and fine colored inks.  While the letters and many words were in elvish, I wasn’t trying to read them or understand them.  I was simply drinking in the artistry of the pages.  This wasn’t a workbook, or an everyday book.  This was an heirloom of a wizard, who loved their art, and wished to convey it in all is magnificence and glory.  At the same time was almost religious in nature, as the symbols of the Seldarine were scattered through the pages.   And it applied to all the spells, even those with violent means or ends.  I was halfway through it, and moving to the 3rd circle, when I jumped.At the door to my dwelling, there was a furious pounding.Goss?  That isn’t you right?--Not me…oh. He’s here.“Sodding gnome,” I cursed, unfolding my legs from beneath me and leaving ‘that room’ and shutting the door.  I checked my robe and carried my teacup and then strode to the door.“Myrai!  Myrai!  Wake up…where is that woman?!?  Either one!  Myrai!”I flung the door open and looked at the gnome.“Beepu.”“Good you are awake.”“I am now.  What do you want?” I said looking the disheveled gnome.  His hair was unkempt, and his face, normally shaven clean had a thick growth of fuzz on the cheeks.“We have to talk and get packed.” And Beepu walked straight inside.“Why don’t you come in?” I said sarcastically.“Thanks, now get packed, we have to leave at once!” Beepu entered my pantry and started to pull cheeses and the like into a sack.“Wait a…what do you think you’re doing?” I said stunned at Beepu’s sudden obsession with my food.“We are leaving!  We have no time to waste.” He said, and he started to empty the silverware drawer into the same bag.  “We will sort this out on the road.”“Stop Beepu—”“—Good…what else.  Oh, you should bring that armor there on the stand, it might fit you.  Wait, why are you not getting dressed?”“—Stop Bee—”“—We will get the brothers, and then I have a plan.  We will borrow some bucks to get us to Secomber and then catch a wagon to Yatar and then—”“BEEPU!” I shouted, reaching and pulling on a white strand, focusing it on my voice to give a clear command.  Beepu yelped and dropped the sack, and looked at me in awe.I sighed, “Sit down and talk.  Explain what has happened.” And I pointed to a divan by the fire pit.“Well it is a little chil—”I snapped my fingers and with my mind snapped a white strand to the wood like a whip, suddenly lighting it.“Yes.  That is better.”  He said holding his hands together like a schoolboy who had been scolded.I sat across from him, and looked him in the eye.  “The last time I tried to visit you, you had Foggle, land on my head, pull on my hair and try to pull me into a pond.”“Yes.  That was a bit much I agree.  It is why I did not complain when you dropped him off as a bag of parts at my front door.”“Right so, what has happened?”Beepu took a deep breath.  “I finally decoded it.  The device my father was making was a new one to travel to the planes…originally.  He changed it though.”“Changed?  How?”“I understand the what, and I know the why had to do with Umbra.  But I now know what parts that are missing and how to put it together.  What for is murky.  And that is why we must go now.”“Why now? What is so urgent?”“Well the first piece will need some work to find, and I hope that my father’s workshop will have a clue in Silverymoon.  But that is not the problem, the other part needed…is a wedding ring.”“A wedding ring?  Any wedding ring?”Beepu shook his head, “No.  Either my father’s, or my mother’s.”“Ok, I get it…so why the rush?”Beepu sighed sadly.  “I was a fool.  I translated the notes openly, not thinking about encoding them.  But this evening I found…a homunculus in my room reading my notes.”“Wait like an imp or something?” I said starting to see the problem.“No, it is more of a construct of magic.  But it is similar yes.  And it may have read about the rings.  My…my mother may be in danger.”“Sodding Baator,” I stood thinking.  “You’re right.   At first light—”“We must leave now!”“Beepu!  At first light we can ask Melandrach to get us there.  You need to rest, as do I so we are prepared.  Neither of us are any good otherwise.”Beepu was about to retort and then thought again, “No.  You are right.  Rushing too fast is not a good idea.”“Right,” I said  “So, go, wake the brothers, and tell them to get their gear ready and meet at the Hall of Stars at first light.  Then go rest, prepare and do the same.”“Right right…sure.  I will see you there.” Beepu then rose and walked out the door and closed it behind him, and I heard him run down the path.“Nice to see you too Myrai, take care, good night,” I said rubbing my temples.  I sighed and looked around, realizing that it might be awhile before I could return.Arnara’s breathing quickened and suddenly her eyes opened.  The room was beginning to light up with the kiss of the orange morning light.  Her eyebrows knitted together as she struggled to recall the fading memories of what ever dreams lingered.  She turned to look at me sitting on the bed holding her hand.“Morning sleepy head,” I said smiling bitterly.“That was intense.  And you do this every night?”  She questioned her eyes still having a faraway look to them as a wistful smile crossed her lips.“No, I try to avoid it.  You seemed to have had a good dream to start with.”“I…I…I guess so.” She sighed and then looked at me.  Then she frowned as she looked me up and down.“Myr, why are you armored?  What has happened?”“I’m sorry but I…I”[HR][/HR]“So, you remembered to shave Daneath,” Beepu said with a mocking tone.“Well, yes.  I’m more impressed you remembered how.  I was wondering if you were growing a beard to use it as a bookmark.”“Well, it was more efficient not to.” Beepu retorted.“Must be why Iesa never bathes; more efficient that way.” Daneath smiled looking at the sleepy Iesa.“Hmm..what?  Hey now that is slander and calumny!” Iesa said angrily.“You do not even know what that even means!” Beepu pointed out.  “Or even how to spell it.”“But am I wrong?” Iesa waggled a finger at the gnome.”“I suppose not…ah Myrai, about time.”Their voices and banter carried through the hall, so it was hard not to hear them as I approached.  I walked toward them briskly and didn’t even get a chance to speak.“An attendant is looking for Melandrach,” Iesa said.  “So, I guess we cool our heels here.”I nodded, “Fine.”Iesa looked at me concerned.  “Something wrong?”“I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night,” I deflected.“Well, Beepu told us everything.  I don’t like this to say the least,” Daneath said.“Well we couldn’t stay here forever…even if we did take that offer,” Iesa agreed.“Not at all.  The research options are limited.  Silverymoon has many more options…once family is taken care of.”I nodded quietly, saying nothing.It was then, that a lightly robed Melandrach appeared with his attendant.  The look of concern on his face was apparent as he came and knelt by Beepu.“I understand your mother may be at risk.  My condolences. As I had promised, I will help you.  I understand you wish to get to Silverymoon, swiftly.”“Yes, quite correct.” Beepu said.Melandrach nodded, “I have arranged for Kylan Ustina to meet you north of here.  There can be found a teleportation circle, tied to one in the High Forest, and with a days march you should be able to reach Silverymoon, on the southern back of the River Rauvin.  If you are fortunately, you may be able to find a either a barge or some horses to get there even faster.“Why not there directly?” Daneath asked.“The Mythal that protects it, has wards to prevent such transport.  This is as close as I know how.” Melandrach said.  “Are you ready? Have you said all your goodbyes?”The others nodded quickly, while I nodded far more slowly, thinking.“Ginakan here will take to the circle.  I wish you luck and I do hope you may return to see us in happier times.”We all nodded and said thank you, as the four of us and our familiars and pets followed our guide north, away from the great tree, and its wonderous halls.The forest was only just awakening to the morning light, the mist was rising still, shielding it from our prying eyes.  The walk was easy enough; more than long enough to turn my morning’s conversation over in my mind.[HR][/HR]“I have to go!”  I said, stuffing some spare travel clothes into my pack.  “The thought of that…that lovelorn, unhende, sinker threatening Beepu’s family sickens me.”“Is that the only reason?” Arnara said calmly.“What?  Isn’t that enough?”  I said a little on edge.“Are you sure that’s the only reason?”“What else could there—”“My father didn’t scare you off,” she said with that maddingly calm smile.“No, he—”“—No unfinished business of your own?”“I…I…” I stammered.“—Concerned on how you feel about me?”I looked at her helplessly.  I gulped.  “If he can threaten Beepu’s family, he can threaten anyone.  I don’t want to put you at risk.”“Is that all?”I mouthed the word “No,” but I couldn’t speak aloud.  Arnara smiled and took my hands.“You are still at the start of a long journey.  It isn’t done.  But I would not cage you and have you leave those tasks undone.  I want you to find what you must out there.   And like many journeys, you will revisit many places.  And when you do, I will be here waiting.  Not as your Sonalta, but as your friend.”I stood there with tears, unable to speak, as she leaned forward to kiss me on the cheek.“Travel well, Myrai Aerasume’.  I pray you find what you must.”“What does that mean?”“It means ‘Silver moon of the Evening’ for it is in that light I have my fondest memories, ha-celas.  Of it lighting your hair, and the reflection of Selune in your eyes…”[HR][/HR]“Hey Myr!” Iesa poked and prodded at me, bringing me back to the present.“Hmm…sorry…what?” I stammered.“Is that new?” he pointed to the elven rapier I now wore.“Yes…it was a parting gift from Arnara.  I left her my old one, so she could practice.” I said smiling looking down at the blade.“Anything special about it?”“Just…just the memories,” I said still smiling.“By midday we had reached it; a hidden circle of stone lost in a deep copse of trees.  The stone was ancient, with elven runes etched almost indistinctly around the edges, while six great ones, filled with silver were equally spaced on the outside edge.  There already was Kylan Ustina, his hair set into braids, and dressed in fine travelling leathers.  He nodded at our approach, and we made our way to the circle.  After the others had passed him, I stopped and spoke quietly in elvish.“Your daughter is a wise Etrielle.  Wise beyond her years.  I am fortunate in my short life to have met her.  Guide her well on her journey.”I swallowed, and moved towards the circle, when I heard.“I will Myrai Aerasume’,” to which I turned in surprise.  “Travel well.”I nodded, and stepped within the boundaries of the runes, and watched as Kylan summon power from the weave.  While subtle there was no hiding the power he called, as he bridged the gap between the stone here and elsewhere.  In my eyes the dim morning light grew to a blinding white, and then it faded away.We stood on a circle of stone, in a darkened forest, where the morning light had not yet reached.  As we looked around trying the clear our sight, I saw the crouched figures of elven bowmen, aiming arrows our exposed group in the circle.I quietly raised my hands to my companion’s surprise and said in elven smiling:“Good morning!  Can you point us in the direction of Silverymoon?”Session notes:And off we go, 3 months later, and one session in real time.</blockquote>

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