Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Talindra" data-source="post: 212616" data-attributes="member: 155">2nd day of The Claw of Winter , 1373 DRVallia’s Journal #14Even as I write this, the five of us are taking only a brief respite in the woods, having ridden most of the night.  Misha persists in creating problems for us all, and my patience grows thin.  He must learn not to speak all that he knows.  His bragging has gotten us into trouble more than once.  I am so angry my thoughts aren’t very coherent.   I should start at the beginning.Misha and I emerged from our room some time later, and saw that no one was about.  I began making breakfast from the ingredients I had gathered in the market, smiling at the thought of Misha’s reaction when he saw what it was I was making.  Misha sat watching as I stirred the pot over the fire, his feet propped up on the table as he leaned back, a small smile on his face.  Gruush rose soon thereafter, and made his way outside to practice.  Karanaj joined him shortly thereafter, working with his bow.  Aliya followed Karanaj into the common room, and sat at the table with Misha.  As I turned, I saw her reach into her pocket, and give him back his ring.  I did not hear his reply, but I know that it made Aliya fume.  He seems to be very talented at doing that.Karanaj entered, just as I judged breakfast to be ready, and prepared Misha a plate.  A dish that had been father’s favorite, it was very simple to make.  It consisted of bread toasted over the fire, and then covered with apples that had been baked in cinnamon and sugar.  As I gave him his plate, he made some remark about Aliya “finding” his ring, and for a moment his flippant attitude made me want to strike him, but I only looked at him in silence, and turned back to the pot over the fire.  Gruush entered just as I finished a second plate, and I handed it to him with a smile.  He thanked me, and I made plates for Aliya and Kara, before preparing one for myself, and sitting with them.  Misha stood and walked to the window, seeming disinterested in eating.  He turned, and told the others that he had sent Nym back to protect the Queen.  I must admit that I admire his reluctance to tell them what Nym had really done.Gruush mentioned how much he enjoyed the food, and I noticed in amazement that he had already finished his plate.  I have to say it made me happy to know that someone appreciated what I had done, and I filled his plate again, heaping it high.  Misha continued, relating to the others that Thain was dead, and the location of the sword.  Karanaj indignantly asked why Misha had not awakened him, and Misha explained about the poison and the spell.  We returned the discussion to the location of the sword, and Misha mentioned something he had neglected to tell me.The sword is in the lair of a dragon named Silvara!  How he could think that this was not important is beyond me....sometimes I think Misha’s good sense doesn’t work too well.  We discussed strategy, but as none of us had ever faced a dragon, we did not know what to expect.  I noticed as Gruush talked that Misha had begun to eat, and almost immediately, he turned his smile upon me, and told me how much he liked the meal.  I felt flushed with happiness.  Sometimes I feel like such a fool for wanting to please him so much, but all I want is to make him happy.  As we discussed our plan of attack, there was a knock at the door.  Karanaj went to answer the door, and Misha and Gruush flanked him, ready for an attack.  A man stood outside, young by elvish standards.  He looked to be an acolyte, and shook with nervousness, barely able to stutter out the reason for his visit.  He was looking for me, and said that he had been sent by Sister Mariana.  Misha allowed him inside, but drew his sword, seemingly to inspect its flawless blade.  The young man was properly intimidated, but grew even more so when Gruush towered above him and commanded him to speak.  I will never forget the words he said.  They are burned indelibly in my memory.  "There is to be a large feast tonight in celebration of Midwinter, at the house of Lord Dannihyr.  The elders wish for you to attend.......as Queen of the Elves."The words hit me like a blow.  I sank back into my chair, gaping at him.  I barely managed to ask "Is that your way of telling me my mother is dead?"   He seemed surprised that we did not know of her death.  I shook my head, even as I saw Aliya turn to Karanaj and begin to cry.  Suddenly, I knew I could not stay there any longer, and I stood and left, leaving Misha to deal with the young man.  As soon as I had stepped from the room, I felt tears begin to roll down my cheeks.  I was too proud to let them see me cry, but I ached to scream in pain.  The tears quickly subsided, and my pain was superseded by my anger.  I knew that Thain must have been the cause for her death, and though he and Thamior were dead, Tharivol still lives.  Although, if I have my way, not for much longer.  I gathered myself and returned to the common room, noting that the young man was gone.Gruush and Misha both expressed their sympathy, which I acknowledged with a nod.  Misha had accepted the invitation to the party on our behalf, and in looking around at our travel worn clothes, it was apparent to me that we were desperately in need of attire, and I said as much.  Misha resisted at first, saying "I shall go as I am... a warrior king..."I felt sadness as I shook my head at him, saying "We are in Amn, your city, and you still do not understand.""Understand what?" he asked.  “That the time for fancy talk.. and festivities is over?  I understand that very well..."  I sighed at his stubborness as Karanaj returned with Aliya, his arm around her.  Patiently, I said "We must all buy new things.  The only thing that people respect here is wealth.  If we wish to impress them, we must be the best dressed at the feast.”  I held Misha’s gaze for a moment  "The time for fancy talk and festivities are just beginning.....you are a King now.""Very true." Karanaj murmured in agreement.  Gruush seemed doubtful that anyone would respect him, but I told him that all he needed in Amn was wealth, and he would have respect.  It is a nation of merchants....and thieves.  After much cajoling, I convinced them all to purchase new clothes, and we left the house, making our way to the Waft.  We found a clothing shop.  The prices were steep, but the clothes were excellent quality.  Aliya found her dress almost immediately, a diaphanous white gown that clung to her, trimmed in gold, matching the gold highlights in her red hair.  Kara asked for my advice, and I handed him a blue tunic, also trimmed in gold, and matching pants.  He tried them on, and seemed happy with the selection.  Misha selected a white tunic and pants, trimmed in silver, and a heavy white cloak.  Gruush, in the meantime, had been consulting with the shopkeeper, who produced blood red tunic and pants, trimmed in black, with a heavy black cloak.  I had also made my selection, an emerald green gown trimmed in silver, and I quickly selected slippers for Aliya and myself as the shopkeeper wrapped up our purchases.  Even Gruush seemed pleased with his selections, as I paid the shopkeeper and we made our way to the jewelry shop, run by a surly old dwarf.Misha purchased circlets for each of us in silver, and Aliya purchased a white stone on a delicate gold chain, and a gold scabbard for Karanaj.  Karanaj had to have his ring enlarged, due to his almost unnatural growth.   As I was waiting for the dwarf to finish with the ring, I noticed Gruush admiring a set of silver bracers and belt.  He called to the dwarf to ask the price, but I told him not to worry about it, and added it to my purchases.  There is one good thing about being Queen after all.  I do love making me friends smile.  The dwarf returned with Kara’s ring, and we exited the shop, to meet Misha outside.  It was agreed that Misha, Gruush and I would go to buy horses, while Aliya and Karanaj took our purchases back to the house.  They let me select the horses, and I chose two white mares for Aliya and myself, a chestnut gelding for Kara, a large brown horse with white spots for Gruush, and an imposing black stallion for Misha.  I was surprised to see the black horse....you do not often find trained warhorses for sale in a place such as this.  I purchased saddles & bridles as well, and gave Misha a sugar cube to feed the stallion.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gruush’s horse nuzzling him, and I tossed him a sugar cube as well, as the stablehand appeared and began to place the items I had purchased on the horses.  Misha seemed pleased with his horse as we left, pronouncing his name to be Shivendal, to my amusement.  We led Aliya’s and Kara’s horses, and went to purchase supplies for our journey.  Gruush considered the name of his horse for a moment, then decided to name it for his master, calling it Shosa.  Their banter had lightened my spirits a bit, and I decided on the spot to name my horse Ananda.  I purchases enough supplies for several weeks, and a large supply of apples.  Misha favored me with a smile, as I requested those.  We returned to the house, unloading our supplies, and I headed off to bathe, as Aliya emerged, dressed in her white dress, the white stone dangling from its chain in the middle of her forehead.  Karanaj followed her, already dressed as well.  I changed quickly, arranging my hair around the delicate silver circlet Misha had chosen for me.  Misha and Gruush changed as well, and we mounted our horses, heading for the lord’s manor.We collected quite a following of townspeople as we rode, and there were servants in livery waiting outside the manor to help us off our horses, and stable them.  I took Misha’s arm as we moved into the house, and I could hear a master of ceremonies announcing the arrivals as a servant scurried up to us and asked us our names.  It shook me a bit to hear Misha reply “King Misha Koldun and Queen Vallia Koldun, together with our loyal bodyguard Gruush.”  I added “Prince Karanaj Umian and Princess Aliya Umian as well.”  The servant nodded and moved to the MC, and whispered our names to him.  He introduced Kara and Aliya first, and there was polite clapping as they entered the room.  Misha looked nervous, to my surprise, and I patted his hand as the MC said our names.  The room grew silent, and several people looked at us with confusion as we entered.  I felt a moment of fear.  There was something we didn’t know, and I was afraid of what it might be.  I glanced around, noting several elves standing in a corner, but none I recognized.  Sister Mariana melted out of the crowd at Misha’s side, greeting us quietly.  She begins to give Misha a warning, but before she can tell us what it is she is warning us about, a familiar voice says from behind us “Well, well, well....”I saw Misha glance at Gruush, but he was involved in conversation with a beautiful woman.  Misha turned, as did I, to face Tharivol, who is wearing a golden headband.  Misha threw back his cloak, and Tharivol and I both saw what hung from it at the same instant: Thain’s blade.  “Murderer!” hissed Tharivol.   "Good eve, Tharivol."  Misha said.  "You would do well to calm yourself, Tharivol son of Thain, this is neither the place nor the time to throw about awkward accusations."Tharivol glanced at the man next to him, wearing the finest clothes.  "It is as I said, my lord, he does not deny it.  He carries the blade of my father.""I carry the blade of a man who betrayed his people a thousand times over..." Misha snapped.“And did you kill him?"  The man next to Tharivol asked.Misha turned his gaze upon the man  "And you are?" "This is my party.  I am Lord Dannihyr" he replied.Misha bowed his head, "Then it is you I should I greet for your extreme hospitality."He looked at Misha unsmiling.  “You did not answer my questions, though I answered yours.  You border on spitting on my hospitality.""And you border on insulting the crown."  Misha retorted, "as I was about to answer your inquiry."Lord Dannihyr nodded "Then by all means, answer."Misha looked back to the Tharivol "Tharivol, son of Thain, your father was a traitor... he plotted against the Queen... attempted to abduct my wife... consorted with both the Shadow Thieves and the Zhentarim... and now he lies dead at my hands... for his treachery could not go unanswered by the will of Corellon."Lord Dannihyr shook his head sadly.  "I was afraid that would be your answer.  It is my duty to place you under arrest, until you can be tried."Misha seemed calm, as he asked “Tried?""For murdering the King of the Elves." replied Lord Dannihyr."The King?"  Misha asked."Thain was crowned three days after the death of the queen."  replied Dannihyr.Misha frowned "By whom?""By the elders."  snarls Tharivol.Misha looked indignant "They would dare disrupt the line of succession?"Tharivol snorted "The Queen was a fool, and she was leading our people to ruin.  Besides, we are a member of the royal line as well."Misha glared at Tharivol. "How dare you invoke the name of the Queen in such a way!"He shrugs.  "She can touch me no more."Misha hissed "Queen Amlauril led with a grace and skill your family is unworthy to even emulate." "Few would agree with you." Tharivol replied calmly."I am the rightful King..." Misha stated.Tharivol corrected him.  "No....I am the King...or will you murder me in the street as you did my father?""Misha looked furious "You have no claim."Tharivol smiled "I am King, as was my father before me.  Can you say as much?""Your father was a villain."  Misha said coldly.  Tharivol had his sword half out of its scabbard before he stopped.  "Why stay your hand?" Misha asked.  "Why not reveal your treacherous villainy for what it is?"  Tharivol glanced at Lord Dannihyr.  "I still remember your treatment of my wife... son of Thain.  I have not forgotten that oath."Tharivol laughed.  "You have admitted to murder......but it is not my place to decide justice.""I have admitted to removing a false ruler... corrupted by Bane."  Misha responded."The Council of Six shall decide your fate."  Lord Dannihyr shook his head.  "Whomever the rightful ruler, we cannot allow wanton murder in the streets." Misha glanced to Tharivol, "Then perhaps you allow attempted assassination and abduction?""Have you any proof of such actions?" demanded Dennihyr.Misha paused for a moment "As I said before, Tharivol consorted with the Shadow Thieves, but tangible proof is lacking... at the moment..."Lord Dannihyr looked skeptical.  "And do you think one of them will testify?"  Tharivol laughed, as the guards stepped forward.  "I accept your terms of court... for Corellon knows that I have done nothing wrong..."  Misha says, his head held high.  Lord Dannihyr nodded.  "Then disarm, and go with these men."  Misha handed his blades off to me, as I stood there numbly.  Misha looked back at Tharivol, saying "When this is all over my 'King', you will join your father... and you may all dance your wicked dance on the fiery plane of the Abyss.  Perhaps he and your brother have been reunited..."Tharivol glanced smugly at the lord.  "You heard that...it was a threat.” He looked back at Misha.  "Would that I could charge you with Thamior's murder as well.""It was no less a threat  than you nearly drawing your blade, son of Thain." Misha smiled."What son would not want to kill his father's murderer?" said Tharivol, sadly."What son would not want to kill the slayer of his mother..." Misha glared at Tharivol. Tharivol hit him.  "Stop with your lies."  I almost drew Misha’s sword for him at that moment, so hungry was I for Tharivol’s blood, but one look at Misha in the guard’s custody, and I knew I could not.  The guards took Misha's arms, as he took the hit."I remember what you did to Vallia..." Misha spat.  "To the true Queen of Tel'quessir..."  Lord Dannihyr nodded, and the guards pulled Misha away.  Misha stayed calm and followed the guards.  Gruush stood beside me and watched them go, as I stared after them, still holding Misha’s blades in my hands.  I felt Aliya and Karanaj move next to me as well, but I could not take my eyes off of Misha.Tharivol looked at Aliya and inclined his head.  "My lady..."   Gruush stepped between Tharivol and Aliya glaring at Tharivol.  Tharivol stared down Gruush, as Karanaj walked up beside Aliya, regarding Tharivol silently."You are a fool, Tharivol."  hissed Aliya, her arm around me.  I hardly felt it, but it was some small comfort.  Gruush continued to stare at Tharivol like looking at a dinner plate.Tharivol neatly stepped around Gruush, looking at Aliya.  "Dance with me...."  Karanaj glared at him for a moment, then stepped over next to Aliya."The lady is with me." said Karanaj menacingly."Lord Dannihyr, it would be best if you called off Lord Tharivol." Gruush advised.Aliya glared back at Tharivol.  "No....I will dance with him."  Tharivol smiled, and he bumped Karanaj out of the way, taking Aliya's hand.  He pulled her out into the crowd, and they were lost from view.  I thought I knew what she was doing, but at the moment I did not care.  My Misha was gone.Karanaj clenched his claws, as he walked over to stand beside me, as Gruush walked out to the dance floor with a woman "I'm going to dance before I hurt that man."  I could not take my eyes off the weapons in my hands.  Karanaj placed his hands over the weapons, taking them from me gently, as I looked up at him, tears in my eyes.   "Will it ever stop, Kara?"   Karanaj pulled me next to him, holding me close, as I cried into his shoulder."I'm sorry Vallia..." he saidI heard Misha talking to me then, through his ring, and looked up at Kara. "Misha wants us to find Noriya.  He says she is here, he saw her.""He is right" I heard a voice say behind me.  Kara and I turned, to see Noriya standing there, wearing a black dress."You... saw what just happened I'm sure."  Karanaj said.  She nodded sadly.  "We need to find Vandal, then.  He is our only proof.""He is with Misha." she said softly.  "But he cannot help you. It is death to betray the Shadow Thieves, or acknowledge their existence, death for you, and your family."  She looks regretful.  "We cannot become involved."I was only half listening as they spoke, all the while hearing Misha in my head.  I focused on them again, saying  "He says he's going to escape, and we must flee...."Karanaj glanced down at me, "Do you think he will?"I shook my head, tears in my eyes, terrified at the thought "I do not know Kara.  He could be killed."Aliya appeared out of the crowd, as Noriya murmured "Goodbye." and left.Karanaj moved quickly to Aliya, hugging her.She looks very serious.  "He will release Misha, if I marry him.  He would be King.”Karanaj looked away, angry and sad. "Kara..." she said softly.I shook my head, knowing we did not have time to discuss it, we had to put our faith in Misha.  "We must go.  Let's get the horses."  I walked out, taking my horse, and leading Misha's as well, heading quickly for the house.  Karanaj and Aliya followed me, as did Gruush.To my surprise, Misha was waiting for us as we arrived at the house... with a gentle smile.  As I dismounted, he said "We need to hurry...we are leaving now!"We all changed quickly, as Misha grabbed his gear and hopped on his horse.  We rushed about, packing our things and securing them on the horses quickly, before mounting, and riding out of Athkatla under the cover of darkness, heading south, towards the dragon.  I glanced back, just before the city faded from view, and made a promise to myself.  I will see Tharivol dead, if it costs my life to do it.</blockquote>

Verification