Emalia set out from Port Llast headed northward on the High Road. The road had suddenly become much less traveled and much more inclined than when she had started out. The more she headed upward, the colder it became, and it was welcome for her to pull out the warm cloak she had picked up in Port Llast. She had been walking for hours, noting certain movements within the trees which she could never quite decipher. As the trees came nearer to the road, what sounded like grunting whispers reached her ears – and forced her to pick up her pace. She had begun jogging when the first orc burst from the trees.
The beast was menacingly tall and bulged with unnatural muscle, all bent on procuring Emalia's items, and perhaps, Emalia herself. The thick hand latched onto the cloak, pulling it off even as it threatened to choke Emalia and send her sprawling backward.
"Get bag!" one of the orcs shouted to his companion. Dutifully, the second tromped after Emalia. Here, Emalia faced the choice. She had to do something, for there was no hope of her outrunning the orcs behind her. She was spun around by the force of her pack being pulled off of her shoulder, and watched as the fruits rolled down the road. Instantly, the orc was upon her with thick hands about her neck, full intent on killing her. Before he could cease her breathing, however, Emalia called out a spell, bringing down a ray of light so intense, the orc let go with an alacrity that belied his frame, and gripped his beady black eyes in howls of fury. The orc companion, upon hearing the cries, rushed Emalia with his club now brandished high above his head. Before he could bring it down to connect with her head, a second blinding ray of light hit him full on in the face, sending him into the same contortions as his ally. Quickly, Emalia scooped up what little fruit she could, stuffed it into her pack, and began racing up the road - hopeful that the two orcs behind her would need quite a long while to recover.
The day wore on with no further incident, if being freezing cold with hardly any food were to be considered non-incidental. Emalia trudged up the road, her light cloak pulled as tightly as could be managed about her. The encounter with the orcs had left her weakened physically, and it was in no way remedied by the fact that she had run almost to the point of collapse on a road uphill. She finally felt safe enough to seat herself on a rock, her breath coming out in the air as a vaporous trail, "Am I truly to die here?""That's up to you, of course. I wouldn't recommend going forward if you plan on living though. It gets worse and you've not the gear for it."
Fear shot through Emalia like a lightning arc and quickly she looked around. "I have no money..." She spun around, finally spotting a slender man dressed in a heavy brown cloak and loose wool clothes. Emalia fought to calm herself, trying with difficulty to pull on her experience as a Guardian to help. "Can I aid you?"
Again the stranger, who spoke in quiet, low tones, recommended for Emalia to turn back. "I can't. I can't go back. I have to go into these mountains." "Have to? You don't have to do anything. But even if you did, I'm saying you should go back to get supplies first.""I can't. I have people following me. They don't understand that it's my mission." The traveler followed her, and they both talked over matters of the Apprentice, the Jihad, her losing so many people she cared for, and the fact that the whole of this journey was being undertaken in the hopes that she would determine at last if this path was the correct one. She was meant to do something more than mill around Westbridge or the Caverns and-
The traveler, without a word, unhooked his staff from his back. The orcs were back, and this time, there were more. "Drop money and weapons and maybe live," the leader barked. Emalia's mouth dropped open as the traveler sprung into action. Never before had she occasion to see someone who moved with cat-like fluidity, nor the ability to handle a weapon as if it were an extension of his own body. Emalia did next to nothing, using her whip to fell one of the orcs, her spell to drop another, and she took off running, hopeful that the man would follow her. Farther up the road, she used the rest of her energy to kill yet another orc.
As soon as the charred body hit the ground, Emalia staggered over to a tree and collapsed. When she came to, the brown-cloaked man sat by her in silence. She felt more rested than she ever had since the start of her journey. They talked for a long while of Emalia's past, and why she was truly undertaking such a seemingly foolhardy mission. No matter how much talked, Emalia could see nothing beyond going farther north. With indifference, he tossed her his warm cloak. Emalia, strong in her conviction that she was well rested and able to continue, rose high into the air. In her sights, the City of Luskan. She had no idea of what lay within the city, and only gave thought of getting provisions. In the frigid altitude, she made her way through the air, well above any orcs that might give her trouble.
Guidance
“That damned halfling, I just know he drug her off without me." Colin swore as he hastily gathered his possessions from his chamber in the temple of Lathander and shoved them into his pack. He had just returned from spending almost two hours searching about the Waterdeep marketplace for Emalia. They had been gathering the last of their supplies in preparation for the trip northward. One minute she was right there with him and the next, she was gone. At first Colin had thought that perhaps she had just stopped in a store without him noticing but as the time wore on and he searched every store on the street, he realized that was not the case. It was then the darker thoughts began to creep in. Maybe there was a thief... a rapist... an assassin. As Colin had paced through alleyway after alleyway his dark imaginings threatened to send him into a state of panic. Then a new thought had come to him and he latched onto it like a drowning man to driftwood. Nephesh. That halfling must have snatched her away and convinced her to leave Colin here. Leave the outsider, the Faithless. That had to be it.
That brought Colin to his present state. He finished shoving items into his pack, threw it onto his shoulder and headed for the temple doors. Colin would be damned if he was going to let that little bastard lead Emalia away from him. Colin hadn't come this far to let some child fanatic lead her to her death.
Colin's stomping boot steps echoed throughout the large temple foyer as he reached the exit doors. He grasped one of the large wooden doors and threw it wide with such force that it crashed into the wall beside with a loud boom. A few surprised shrieks could be heard from temple patrons yet Colin paid no heed as he stormed through the doorway. Colin was halfway down the temple stairs before he noticed him. Right there, sitting on the lowest stair and playing with some rocks as if he had not a care in the world, was Nephesh. Colin stormed directly over to the halfling boy. "Where is she!?"
Nephesh looked genuinely startled as he turned his attention to Colin, holding up his hands in confusion.
Colin was not prepared for this reaction yet he was not going to let up. "Emalia. Where is she? Did you take her somewhere?"
At this Nephesh shook his head and communicated with a note, as was normal for the mute. "Perhaps she got lost in the marketplace?"
Colin didn't like this. He had been convinced that Nephesh had whisked Emalia away, yet he could not deny the honesty he was in the boy's eyes. "No, no. It wasn't even that busy today." Colin began pacing, the terrible scenarios of Emalia's fate starting to creep back into his thoughts.
Nephesh tried to offer more helpful suggestions yet none of it settled Colin. Finally, fed up, Colin demanded of him, "If your god is so wise and all knowing, ask Him where she is."
"That is not how these things work," Nephesh replied, "We do the bidding of the gods. They do not do the bidding of mortals. I am merely her guide on the path. This journey is hers to make, even if it is not convenient."
Those last words got Colin thinking. The journey. Emalia has been so focused on the journey, how it is her's to make, one of self discovery, one she must make alone. Could it be she simply left both of them to strike out on her own? Suddenly another piece of driftwood had bobbed to the surface for the drowning man.
Just as Colin was about to act on his new train of thought Nephesh stood and gestured for Colin to follow him. "What, where are you going?" Colin asked. Nephesh didn't answer, instead simply shrugging and heading back into the temple.
"It's just as well, I don't need him." Colin thought, yet he hesitated. He had no idea where Emalia was headed. As much as he hated the thought, if Colin could bring him along perhaps the halfling could be useful. With an annoyed growl he followed him into the temple. Although Colin walked quickly to catch up to Nephesh the boy always seemed to stay a few steps ahead, leading Colin through passages in the temple which he had never seen. Colin's irritation grew the further he followed. He didn't like the halfling much to begin with and the current situation was not improving his disposition. When he finally caught the boy by the shoulder it was because he stopped before a doorway guarded by two paladins in rose-colored armor. Ignoring Nephesh's irritated look Colin asked him, "Ok, so what is this place?"
The boy didn't answer, instead simply gesturing to the guards who stepped aside to allow the pair to pass. Nephesh continued through the doorway, again signaling Colin to follow.
Colin's jaw tensed. "I should just snap his little..." Colin's thought stopped short, rebounding in another direction. "I'll just find out what he's doing."
Nephesh led Colin through a seemingly endless maze of catacombs which gave way to tunnels and caverns. Colin's frustration built as they walked. All this time they were spending he could have at least been making some progress towards finding Emalia, catching up to her. After what seemed like an eternity the boy finally stopped before a passage which was covered by a beautiful golden-red tapestry.
As Colin stood there, breathing heavily with irritation, Nephesh handed him another note. "Beyond this chamber she lies, one who answers all questions pertaining to the dawn. Ask what you will, though the answers you find may trouble you."
Colin calmed a bit now that there seemed to be a point to this little trip yet the words were practically nonsense. "The dawn?" He asked, hoping for clarification, yet the boy simply nodded.
"What does that mean? Why must you be so cryptic?"
"I give only the answers I know."
Colin threw up his arms in frustration but it was obvious he wasn't going to get a clear answer. "Whatever, let's just do this."
Nephesh nodded and swept the tapestry aside, allowing Colin to follow him into the chamber. They emerged into a large cavern, the walls lined in musty red velvet tapestries depicting Lathander and the morning sun. At the center of the room a red elk rested, its black feminine eyes closed in the soft sighs of sleep. Nephesh slowly approached the center of the cavern, kneeling before the elk in respect and supplication.
Colin followed behind, his eyes scanning the clearly ancient tapestries in appreciation until his eyes fell upon the elk. He shook his head in disbelief. "A deer? Are you serious?" Colin's dumbfounded gaze fell to Nephesh and was met with a disapproving glare. The boy made an indication of silence and pointed to the floor beside him, directing Colin to occupy it. "This is ridiculous." Colin thought, yet he couldn't ignore the boy's seriousness. He reluctantly took the spot beside Nephesh, sitting instead of kneeling.
It was then the elk rose from her slumber. She gracefully stood and approached the pair, directing her probing gaze to Nephesh. "This one insults me." She spoke in a deep melodic voice. Colin's eyes grew wide upon hearing the elk speak and she turned her gaze upon him. "I am no deer mortal."
Colin's shock quickly faded as reason began to kick in. "There has to be magic at work here," he thought, "Some sort of illusion."
The elk snorted and spoke again, "That he is." The comment was directed at Nephesh, yet Colin had seen the boy write nothing. "What do you seek?""Where is Emalia?" Colin asked bluntly, clearly suspecting he was still wasting valuable time. He got no response from the elk but instead got a note from Nephesh."She who answers all questions pertaining to the dawn."Colin rolled his eyes in disgust. "More of his incessant nonsense." he thought.
The elk looked back to Colin and reared her head high, obviously displeased. "So long as he fouls this meeting, no answer shall he obtain. Respect is what I demand in return for an answer."
Colin couldn't believe it. Not only was he wasting his time now he was being insulted. His jaw tensed and a faint red glow crept into his eyes. "I will just slit it's..." but the thought ended there, redirected almost as soon as it came. "The time is already spent, I might as well continue to play along." He drew in a calming breath and lowered his head in reverence. After a moment of silence the elk spoke again, "The one you seek walks the road between sunrise and sunset."
Colin took in another calming breath to ward off his anger. These words meant nothing to him. "I'm sorry, what does that mean?" Colin asked in a controlled tone.
Nephesh handed him another note, "She is on a road, Faithless." Colin crushed the note in his hand, not knowing how much more of this he could suffer.
"She may or may not arrive before the sun sets on her life." the elk continued, as if finishing her previous statement.
This definitely got Colin's attention, his head darting up and his gaze fixing on the elk. "What are you saying? Her life is in danger?"
The elk spoke again, not directly addressing Colin, "Darkness closes in around her in many forms. The horizon between sunrise and sunset. She chases the appearance of the dawn cresting, without knowing the place it truly resides. Darkness..." she turns her gaze briefly upon Colin, "In all its forms... seeks her out. It will find her first on her path to redemption."
Colin had reached his limit. All he had heard was blathering nonsense and hints at Emalia's doom. Colin spoke in a deep, almost unearthly growl, "You speak nothing but nonsense!" Colin was going to end this creature's miserable life. His fury would be released and no amount of restraint was going to stop him. Sandorin would see the folly of his ways. He began reaching for his weapons and almost made it up off the floor before the feeling hit him. It was as if he ran headlong into a wall of utter darkness. There was an explosion of pain in his head, accompanied by a piercing scream which only he heard. The big man crumpled to the floor.
Colin picked himself up off the cavern floor. He had no idea how long he had been laying there. He felt a mild ache in his head and his vision was a bit dim but he was still in control of his body. He looked about the cavern and saw only Nephesh. "Where is it? Where did it go?" "We have our answers. We must leave now."
Colin felt only despair. The elk had appeared to truly know something about Emalia and now it was gone.
Nephesh promised an explanation to Colin and led him back through the tunnels and catacombs into the temple proper.
They soon found themselves in Npehesh's room. As Nephesh began adding his supplies to Colin's pack the big man started to emerge from his despondency. "What are you doing?"
"Preparing you." said his written response
"For what?"
Nephesh then began to take Colin through the meaning of the elk's words. With Colin's mind now clear he was now able to understand. Emalia was traveling northward along The Long Road towards the mountains. He couldn't believe how foolish he had been, and without the boy, how lost he would still be. He offered a sincere apology to Nephesh yet the boy simply reminded him that there were more important matters at hand. Neither one of them would be of particular use in tracking Emalia but they knew her general direction would have to set out hoping for the best. Nephesh quickly finished his packing and they set out from the temple. On the way through the Waterdeep marketplace Nephesh took a sudden detour over to an obvious woodsman perusing one of the market stalls. Colin's confusion was only momentary before realizing the boy was looking for a tracker. Colin was anxious to get their journey underway but he couldn't discount the value of a proficient tracker. With some impatience, Colin followed Nephesh over to the stranger. Colin stood a few steps behind, content to allow Nephesh to carry out the majority of the conversation.
As the two spoke of Nephesh's handicap, price, and their intentions, Colin found his attention drawn northward. His impatient gaze scanned the horizon, barely able to make out the faint outline of mountains in the distance. He almost felt if he could just focus hard enough he might catch a glimpse of white robes somewhere out there. With his attention so focused, Colin completely missed the woodsman's name as introductions were made: Hellstrom.
Colin was relieved when Nephesh and Hellstrom finally concluded the arrangements. It was decided the three of them would meet at the north gates of the city and set out that same day. The arrangements made, Colin had but one thought in his mind as his gaze returned to the north.
"Please be safe Emalia... I'm coming."
That brought Colin to his present state. He finished shoving items into his pack, threw it onto his shoulder and headed for the temple doors. Colin would be damned if he was going to let that little bastard lead Emalia away from him. Colin hadn't come this far to let some child fanatic lead her to her death.
Colin's stomping boot steps echoed throughout the large temple foyer as he reached the exit doors. He grasped one of the large wooden doors and threw it wide with such force that it crashed into the wall beside with a loud boom. A few surprised shrieks could be heard from temple patrons yet Colin paid no heed as he stormed through the doorway. Colin was halfway down the temple stairs before he noticed him. Right there, sitting on the lowest stair and playing with some rocks as if he had not a care in the world, was Nephesh. Colin stormed directly over to the halfling boy. "Where is she!?"
Nephesh looked genuinely startled as he turned his attention to Colin, holding up his hands in confusion.
Colin was not prepared for this reaction yet he was not going to let up. "Emalia. Where is she? Did you take her somewhere?"
At this Nephesh shook his head and communicated with a note, as was normal for the mute. "Perhaps she got lost in the marketplace?"
Colin didn't like this. He had been convinced that Nephesh had whisked Emalia away, yet he could not deny the honesty he was in the boy's eyes. "No, no. It wasn't even that busy today." Colin began pacing, the terrible scenarios of Emalia's fate starting to creep back into his thoughts.
Nephesh tried to offer more helpful suggestions yet none of it settled Colin. Finally, fed up, Colin demanded of him, "If your god is so wise and all knowing, ask Him where she is."
"That is not how these things work," Nephesh replied, "We do the bidding of the gods. They do not do the bidding of mortals. I am merely her guide on the path. This journey is hers to make, even if it is not convenient."
Those last words got Colin thinking. The journey. Emalia has been so focused on the journey, how it is her's to make, one of self discovery, one she must make alone. Could it be she simply left both of them to strike out on her own? Suddenly another piece of driftwood had bobbed to the surface for the drowning man.
Just as Colin was about to act on his new train of thought Nephesh stood and gestured for Colin to follow him. "What, where are you going?" Colin asked. Nephesh didn't answer, instead simply shrugging and heading back into the temple.
"It's just as well, I don't need him." Colin thought, yet he hesitated. He had no idea where Emalia was headed. As much as he hated the thought, if Colin could bring him along perhaps the halfling could be useful. With an annoyed growl he followed him into the temple. Although Colin walked quickly to catch up to Nephesh the boy always seemed to stay a few steps ahead, leading Colin through passages in the temple which he had never seen. Colin's irritation grew the further he followed. He didn't like the halfling much to begin with and the current situation was not improving his disposition. When he finally caught the boy by the shoulder it was because he stopped before a doorway guarded by two paladins in rose-colored armor. Ignoring Nephesh's irritated look Colin asked him, "Ok, so what is this place?"
The boy didn't answer, instead simply gesturing to the guards who stepped aside to allow the pair to pass. Nephesh continued through the doorway, again signaling Colin to follow.
Colin's jaw tensed. "I should just snap his little..." Colin's thought stopped short, rebounding in another direction. "I'll just find out what he's doing."
Nephesh led Colin through a seemingly endless maze of catacombs which gave way to tunnels and caverns. Colin's frustration built as they walked. All this time they were spending he could have at least been making some progress towards finding Emalia, catching up to her. After what seemed like an eternity the boy finally stopped before a passage which was covered by a beautiful golden-red tapestry.
As Colin stood there, breathing heavily with irritation, Nephesh handed him another note. "Beyond this chamber she lies, one who answers all questions pertaining to the dawn. Ask what you will, though the answers you find may trouble you."
Colin calmed a bit now that there seemed to be a point to this little trip yet the words were practically nonsense. "The dawn?" He asked, hoping for clarification, yet the boy simply nodded.
"What does that mean? Why must you be so cryptic?"
"I give only the answers I know."
Colin threw up his arms in frustration but it was obvious he wasn't going to get a clear answer. "Whatever, let's just do this."
Nephesh nodded and swept the tapestry aside, allowing Colin to follow him into the chamber. They emerged into a large cavern, the walls lined in musty red velvet tapestries depicting Lathander and the morning sun. At the center of the room a red elk rested, its black feminine eyes closed in the soft sighs of sleep. Nephesh slowly approached the center of the cavern, kneeling before the elk in respect and supplication.
Colin followed behind, his eyes scanning the clearly ancient tapestries in appreciation until his eyes fell upon the elk. He shook his head in disbelief. "A deer? Are you serious?" Colin's dumbfounded gaze fell to Nephesh and was met with a disapproving glare. The boy made an indication of silence and pointed to the floor beside him, directing Colin to occupy it. "This is ridiculous." Colin thought, yet he couldn't ignore the boy's seriousness. He reluctantly took the spot beside Nephesh, sitting instead of kneeling.
It was then the elk rose from her slumber. She gracefully stood and approached the pair, directing her probing gaze to Nephesh. "This one insults me." She spoke in a deep melodic voice. Colin's eyes grew wide upon hearing the elk speak and she turned her gaze upon him. "I am no deer mortal."
Colin's shock quickly faded as reason began to kick in. "There has to be magic at work here," he thought, "Some sort of illusion."
The elk snorted and spoke again, "That he is." The comment was directed at Nephesh, yet Colin had seen the boy write nothing. "What do you seek?""Where is Emalia?" Colin asked bluntly, clearly suspecting he was still wasting valuable time. He got no response from the elk but instead got a note from Nephesh."She who answers all questions pertaining to the dawn."Colin rolled his eyes in disgust. "More of his incessant nonsense." he thought.
The elk looked back to Colin and reared her head high, obviously displeased. "So long as he fouls this meeting, no answer shall he obtain. Respect is what I demand in return for an answer."
Colin couldn't believe it. Not only was he wasting his time now he was being insulted. His jaw tensed and a faint red glow crept into his eyes. "I will just slit it's..." but the thought ended there, redirected almost as soon as it came. "The time is already spent, I might as well continue to play along." He drew in a calming breath and lowered his head in reverence. After a moment of silence the elk spoke again, "The one you seek walks the road between sunrise and sunset."
Colin took in another calming breath to ward off his anger. These words meant nothing to him. "I'm sorry, what does that mean?" Colin asked in a controlled tone.
Nephesh handed him another note, "She is on a road, Faithless." Colin crushed the note in his hand, not knowing how much more of this he could suffer.
"She may or may not arrive before the sun sets on her life." the elk continued, as if finishing her previous statement.
This definitely got Colin's attention, his head darting up and his gaze fixing on the elk. "What are you saying? Her life is in danger?"
The elk spoke again, not directly addressing Colin, "Darkness closes in around her in many forms. The horizon between sunrise and sunset. She chases the appearance of the dawn cresting, without knowing the place it truly resides. Darkness..." she turns her gaze briefly upon Colin, "In all its forms... seeks her out. It will find her first on her path to redemption."
Colin had reached his limit. All he had heard was blathering nonsense and hints at Emalia's doom. Colin spoke in a deep, almost unearthly growl, "You speak nothing but nonsense!" Colin was going to end this creature's miserable life. His fury would be released and no amount of restraint was going to stop him. Sandorin would see the folly of his ways. He began reaching for his weapons and almost made it up off the floor before the feeling hit him. It was as if he ran headlong into a wall of utter darkness. There was an explosion of pain in his head, accompanied by a piercing scream which only he heard. The big man crumpled to the floor.
Colin picked himself up off the cavern floor. He had no idea how long he had been laying there. He felt a mild ache in his head and his vision was a bit dim but he was still in control of his body. He looked about the cavern and saw only Nephesh. "Where is it? Where did it go?" "We have our answers. We must leave now."
Colin felt only despair. The elk had appeared to truly know something about Emalia and now it was gone.
Nephesh promised an explanation to Colin and led him back through the tunnels and catacombs into the temple proper.
They soon found themselves in Npehesh's room. As Nephesh began adding his supplies to Colin's pack the big man started to emerge from his despondency. "What are you doing?"
"Preparing you." said his written response
"For what?"
Nephesh then began to take Colin through the meaning of the elk's words. With Colin's mind now clear he was now able to understand. Emalia was traveling northward along The Long Road towards the mountains. He couldn't believe how foolish he had been, and without the boy, how lost he would still be. He offered a sincere apology to Nephesh yet the boy simply reminded him that there were more important matters at hand. Neither one of them would be of particular use in tracking Emalia but they knew her general direction would have to set out hoping for the best. Nephesh quickly finished his packing and they set out from the temple. On the way through the Waterdeep marketplace Nephesh took a sudden detour over to an obvious woodsman perusing one of the market stalls. Colin's confusion was only momentary before realizing the boy was looking for a tracker. Colin was anxious to get their journey underway but he couldn't discount the value of a proficient tracker. With some impatience, Colin followed Nephesh over to the stranger. Colin stood a few steps behind, content to allow Nephesh to carry out the majority of the conversation.
As the two spoke of Nephesh's handicap, price, and their intentions, Colin found his attention drawn northward. His impatient gaze scanned the horizon, barely able to make out the faint outline of mountains in the distance. He almost felt if he could just focus hard enough he might catch a glimpse of white robes somewhere out there. With his attention so focused, Colin completely missed the woodsman's name as introductions were made: Hellstrom.
Colin was relieved when Nephesh and Hellstrom finally concluded the arrangements. It was decided the three of them would meet at the north gates of the city and set out that same day. The arrangements made, Colin had but one thought in his mind as his gaze returned to the north.
"Please be safe Emalia... I'm coming."
Landfall
As Hellstrom stepped off of the boat onto the dock of the Waterdeep shipping port the smell of the "City of Splendors" assaulted his nose. Hellstrom had been in the wilderness for too long obviously and he was anxious to leave. However, he was close to running out of supplies since his recent stop in Mahn Tor, and had not had a chance to replenish his dried meat stores. As soon as he had his supplies he intended to leave the city behind and go back to what he was used to.
Before long his nose got used to the smell of city life and as he was wandering around in this unfamiliar pit of thieves and vagabonds looking for a grocer to get supplies from, he decided that he would stay the night in one of the many inns that he had seen. A rest in a good soft bed would be good after sleeping so long on the ground or on the deck of a merchant vessel.
After a delicious meal of roasted venison and securing a room for his use at a decent looking inn, Hellstrom found himself scouting out the city. He decided that he would be leaving through the north gate and heading northward as that area of land was covered by the thickest forest. Hellstrom wanted plenty of cover to keep out of the cold night air. After looking out the gates at the woodlands bit longer he turned back to the inn where he had left his bag and newly acquired supplies for that much needed rest.
Before long his nose got used to the smell of city life and as he was wandering around in this unfamiliar pit of thieves and vagabonds looking for a grocer to get supplies from, he decided that he would stay the night in one of the many inns that he had seen. A rest in a good soft bed would be good after sleeping so long on the ground or on the deck of a merchant vessel.
After a delicious meal of roasted venison and securing a room for his use at a decent looking inn, Hellstrom found himself scouting out the city. He decided that he would be leaving through the north gate and heading northward as that area of land was covered by the thickest forest. Hellstrom wanted plenty of cover to keep out of the cold night air. After looking out the gates at the woodlands bit longer he turned back to the inn where he had left his bag and newly acquired supplies for that much needed rest.
Hide n Seek
It had been a long time, but some skills are just never forgotten. He had been tailing her for hours, now; and judging by the supplies being gathered, the 'outing' did not seem like it would be ending anytime soon. Out the northern gate, and onto the northward path, it did not seem like she was intending on keeping their appointment, that night. But then, considering the circumstances, it seemed unlikely that should would, anyway.
As if merely to confirm the speculation, however, the young girl in white managed to hitch a ride on an old worn-down cart, seemingly headed in the same direction. This would be a long walk, but the girl was just too important to lose track of.
It was not till the next day that they had apparently arrived at her destination, and a meeting with someone at the Alliance Arms Inn was a welcome chance for Xarkuss to take a breather, and wait for the next move. It was not too long before she reemerged; notably without her companion, which made it all the easier.
The Question was... what now?
As if merely to confirm the speculation, however, the young girl in white managed to hitch a ride on an old worn-down cart, seemingly headed in the same direction. This would be a long walk, but the girl was just too important to lose track of.
It was not till the next day that they had apparently arrived at her destination, and a meeting with someone at the Alliance Arms Inn was a welcome chance for Xarkuss to take a breather, and wait for the next move. It was not too long before she reemerged; notably without her companion, which made it all the easier.
The Question was... what now?
Voyage to Waterdeep
Journal entry dated Tuesday the 23rd of Ches
The cold wastes of the inhospitable northern region of Mahn Tor finally convinced me to travel elsewhere, hence how I find myself sitting on the freezing deck of this cargo ship headed for Waterdeep. Thank god I don't get sea sickness or the pitching and rolling of this forsaken vessel would throw me into a fit of heaving. Two days in this boat sleeping in the cold wind is more than even I can bear. It will be only one more day and we shall make landfall in Waterdeep. From there I have no idea where i will go. Ill just let my feet be my guide and go where they take me.
Hellstrom Oldostin
The cold wastes of the inhospitable northern region of Mahn Tor finally convinced me to travel elsewhere, hence how I find myself sitting on the freezing deck of this cargo ship headed for Waterdeep. Thank god I don't get sea sickness or the pitching and rolling of this forsaken vessel would throw me into a fit of heaving. Two days in this boat sleeping in the cold wind is more than even I can bear. It will be only one more day and we shall make landfall in Waterdeep. From there I have no idea where i will go. Ill just let my feet be my guide and go where they take me.
Hellstrom Oldostin
Tinge of Doubt
Fate. It had to be, nothing short of it, really. Emalia had heard no voices this day, but as she got off of the horse-drawn cart in Port Llast, rubbing her back end no less, she ran into a lady she had spoken with many times before in Market Square of Westbridge. There really was no confusing her, the green eye and hazel looked over Emalia's shocked face, seeming to gather in an instant that Emalia was doing something she "shouldn't." A few brief apologies passed before Emalia was clued in to the fact that she had done the right thing: "Emalia, I've no idea why we have come to meet on this path, but I have been looking to speak with you."
Emalia and Dorian seated themselves at an oak table in the Alliance Arms Inn.
It hadn't changed since the first time she had been there to buy lemonade for Hellstrom, nor the more recent time before she had gone to Waterdeep. Now, however, she had company at the oaken table.
Emalia downed her two glasses of lemonade, and in short order, found out that Dorian was a member of the Sunites. "What magic fate! That's wonderful!" Emalia straightened, her face gleaming. "Then you can tell me where to find this, Keldon fellow."
"No. I cannot tell you."
"Isn't he Sunite as well?" Emalia asked, slumping in her seat.
"He surely is that and one most cherished."
"I just needed to ask him something."
"If you do not mind, what are you wanting to ask him?"
Emalia spent a few moments getting to what her desire was, directions. She was on a journey to the Temple of Light to find her path in life. She had been told Keldon knew how to get there. Once there, she assumed easily that the Priests would aid her in discovering herself. It was only when Dorian mentioned, "One of those..." that Emalia became confused. "Many," Dorian said, "seek Keldon and the place he resides, most for the wrong reason." And it was with this that Emalia sat wondering what the wrong reason could possibly be. She found herself wondering why, exactly, it had been suggested so easily for her to take this, as her journey to self discovery.
Looking over at Dorian, Emalia found herself wondering about Grobnak. Before she could delve into her own thoughts on the matter with any scrutiny, Dorian began scratching at the ground by her foot and looking rather pained.
Emalia saw the woman shiver and moved to help, but something in her own mind held her back. She was on the verge of an explanation from Dorian, but it would have to wait. "Suffice it to say, Keldon can be contacted," Dorian said through her pains. Emalia watched her, confused and worried.
"Keep safe, be sure to do that."
"I shall do my best."
Dorian parted from Emalia's company, barely able to recite her spell to vanish. Emalia stood in the middle of the inn for a long moment. The urge to continue was overwhelming and so she again headed out on the mountainous road with thoughts circling her. "One of those..." "Wrong reason..." She didn't know in the least what it could mean, but hearing it come from the mouth of someone like Dorian, who had helped her before, was unsettling. Almost as much so as the orcs that seemed to be growing in number the farther north she traveled.
Emalia and Dorian seated themselves at an oak table in the Alliance Arms Inn.
It hadn't changed since the first time she had been there to buy lemonade for Hellstrom, nor the more recent time before she had gone to Waterdeep. Now, however, she had company at the oaken table.
Emalia downed her two glasses of lemonade, and in short order, found out that Dorian was a member of the Sunites. "What magic fate! That's wonderful!" Emalia straightened, her face gleaming. "Then you can tell me where to find this, Keldon fellow."
"No. I cannot tell you."
"Isn't he Sunite as well?" Emalia asked, slumping in her seat.
"He surely is that and one most cherished."
"I just needed to ask him something."
"If you do not mind, what are you wanting to ask him?"
Emalia spent a few moments getting to what her desire was, directions. She was on a journey to the Temple of Light to find her path in life. She had been told Keldon knew how to get there. Once there, she assumed easily that the Priests would aid her in discovering herself. It was only when Dorian mentioned, "One of those..." that Emalia became confused. "Many," Dorian said, "seek Keldon and the place he resides, most for the wrong reason." And it was with this that Emalia sat wondering what the wrong reason could possibly be. She found herself wondering why, exactly, it had been suggested so easily for her to take this, as her journey to self discovery.
Looking over at Dorian, Emalia found herself wondering about Grobnak. Before she could delve into her own thoughts on the matter with any scrutiny, Dorian began scratching at the ground by her foot and looking rather pained.
Emalia saw the woman shiver and moved to help, but something in her own mind held her back. She was on the verge of an explanation from Dorian, but it would have to wait. "Suffice it to say, Keldon can be contacted," Dorian said through her pains. Emalia watched her, confused and worried.
"Keep safe, be sure to do that."
"I shall do my best."
Dorian parted from Emalia's company, barely able to recite her spell to vanish. Emalia stood in the middle of the inn for a long moment. The urge to continue was overwhelming and so she again headed out on the mountainous road with thoughts circling her. "One of those..." "Wrong reason..." She didn't know in the least what it could mean, but hearing it come from the mouth of someone like Dorian, who had helped her before, was unsettling. Almost as much so as the orcs that seemed to be growing in number the farther north she traveled.
Runaway
Emalia walked out of the House of the Moon with laden pockets of fruits and vegetables. She was actually in good spirits, having had a tune played for her by Koniev, though his flattery was a little awk-ward for her to handle. He was definitely nice enough - even lending her a little money when she couldn't find her bank ID. Most refreshing was her freedom from Nephesh, Colin, or anyone else for that matter.
As she parted ways with Koniev, she wondered if it wouldn't just be best to set out on her own. It would be so much easier for her to go out alone, no one to worry about or talk to... after all, this was her quest - she was seeking herself.
Emalia kept her eyes shifting around every corner, drawing more attention than she avoided, but bought what little supplies she thought she might need. Her heart raced as she flipped her white hood over her head and darted through the city. 'North to the mountains, north to the mountains,' she chanted as she shuffled amongst the crowds of the Northern Gate and onto the road ahead.
"Sir!" Emalia ran behind a groaning cart, the horse pulling it looking as unsteady as its load.
"Sir! Please... wait..."
"Hold," the older man called, pulling on the reigns and stopping his horse. He looked down at Emalia with chubby sun-reddened cheeks, waiting.
"Are you going far north?"
"Ayea."
"Might I ride along?"
"Well, goin' only as far as Port Llast. Might take a day ern two. Dunno ya eithern."
"I will give you the last coin I hold." Emalia pulled a platinum coin from the fold in her robe, passing it up to the interested man. He grunted as he looked it over.
"Climb in the back. Don't eat my food or drink my wine. Best to not drink my wine - that's the only damn thing tha sells in Blasted Llast."
"I won't touch a thing, I have all my own provisions."
"Mmm."
The wheels began complaining again and Emalia sat between a couple of barrels of wine while the slats that made up the wagon groaned against each other. She watched the city walls slowly - slowly - grow smaller as the cart miraculously headed up the mountain road. As day turned into night and into day again, Emalia wished for the sake of her back side she would have run away while she was already *in* Port Llast.
As she parted ways with Koniev, she wondered if it wouldn't just be best to set out on her own. It would be so much easier for her to go out alone, no one to worry about or talk to... after all, this was her quest - she was seeking herself.
Emalia kept her eyes shifting around every corner, drawing more attention than she avoided, but bought what little supplies she thought she might need. Her heart raced as she flipped her white hood over her head and darted through the city. 'North to the mountains, north to the mountains,' she chanted as she shuffled amongst the crowds of the Northern Gate and onto the road ahead.
"Sir!" Emalia ran behind a groaning cart, the horse pulling it looking as unsteady as its load.
"Sir! Please... wait..."
"Hold," the older man called, pulling on the reigns and stopping his horse. He looked down at Emalia with chubby sun-reddened cheeks, waiting.
"Are you going far north?"
"Ayea."
"Might I ride along?"
"Well, goin' only as far as Port Llast. Might take a day ern two. Dunno ya eithern."
"I will give you the last coin I hold." Emalia pulled a platinum coin from the fold in her robe, passing it up to the interested man. He grunted as he looked it over.
"Climb in the back. Don't eat my food or drink my wine. Best to not drink my wine - that's the only damn thing tha sells in Blasted Llast."
"I won't touch a thing, I have all my own provisions."
"Mmm."
The wheels began complaining again and Emalia sat between a couple of barrels of wine while the slats that made up the wagon groaned against each other. She watched the city walls slowly - slowly - grow smaller as the cart miraculously headed up the mountain road. As day turned into night and into day again, Emalia wished for the sake of her back side she would have run away while she was already *in* Port Llast.
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