3. A Shaman's Tale...

A Shaman's Tale...


  • There's no celebration for the DEAD! (part I)… I woke awake and rejuvinated, as I usually did after a nights stay at the boarshead inn. After I made my way downstairs i noticed the tavern busier then normal. With a swing of the door I could tell why… The air was crisp and cold. Even cooler then Norwicks norm. As I stretched and pushed on my back I thought, "what adventure would today bring?"

    I decided to start my day by patrolling the crypts. As I had so many times before. Why you ask? ... perhaps for the fear they might wander one day to the surface. After a few passing glances and a few greetings I had made my way to the enterance of the crypt.

    The door opened with an echoing screetch... oddly enough the tomb seemed bare. Not a cadaver anywhere near. Two traps lined the halls denying access further in. Deciding things were far to out of place this afternoon, I went north hoping to seek company from Sam and the friends resided at his hill. Had I realized what today had in store for Sam and I, perhaps I would never have left the Inn that day...


  • A List of names continue:

    Syclya Latonein - Briars fiancé… I need to speak with this woman in regards to some rather peculiar findings this afternoon. Her future with Briar looks bleak at best.

    Neutral

    Keira - I found Briar out in the cold nearly stripped of his clothes and without weapon. When approached his words were clear and precise… "Keira told me too." His state of mind and physical duress was worse then I've seen it. After taking him to Peltarch and feeding him, his words on this woman's behavior brings concern to my heart. She has him parade in shorts the man clearly refuses to wear. Her sexual deviant attraction seems to be nothing more then poison to the mans psyche. Though my brief encounter with this woman today shows me she wishes him well... I don't know if its for her own twisted desires. Regardless I'll need to watch my encounter with her more closely. Though my temper was peeked... this harlot seems crafty and will more then likely spin more webs then I'd like to wander through.

    Written to the side Seek Syclya's council regarding this woman as soon as possible.

    Neutral The word is written with a sense of uncertainty.


  • After speaking with Shannon I now realize the need to formulate things onto paper. After listening to him for about fifteen minute I can tell just how mind boggling Peltarch's political infustructure can be. It will be necessary for my survival and for me to do my job well that I discern who is on which side of the fence. Those I can call allies and those who will be my enemies.

    scrawled in a personal journal is the following

    Maya - after speaking with her yesterday I find that her return to Narfell is as remarkable as mine. Though for some reason her journey has been far gentler on her features. Where I look as though I lost a good twenty years to my life, she looks as young as the days Kanen walked Narfell. For whatever reason she's back and with renewed strength. Something she spoke about yesterday troubles me… she recalls this bloodlust that seems to engulf her whole being as she pursues a target. She fears what she might do should the bloodlust not subside before her quarry hits the ground. When her eyes bleed, make sure your far from her axe swing.

    written to the side of this entry is the following Make sure to prepare an extra blessing of Clarity when traveling into the heat a battle with this woman.

    Ally

    Steelfin - Paladin of Tyr and a Guard for Peltarch. This mans words speak a volume of wisdom. He sides with Shannon and trusts his judgment. Though some of his words concerned me in regards to Shannon's stubbornness and pride, I consider his guidance pertinent. When push come to shove I feel Steelfin is more the follower or one to take orders then a true leader. Right now he'd be the first I'd petition to join me should I need to seek down a fugitive.

    Ally

    Briar Drumheller - Skittish and suicidal. Unfortunately this man's more of a drain then an asset. Though I am to wed him and his fiancé, I pray she stays near to him. She seems the only thing keeping him grounded.

    written to the side… the combination of the following blessings have seemed to ward the young man from his suicidal thoughts; Protection from evil, wisdom, and clarity.

    Neutral

    Thorn Drumheller - Ample with a bow, brother to Briar. Seems to have his own share of secrets. Need to find out more about him my gut tells me.

    Ally


  • Tough Decision:

    1.09: Assault - Intentionally harming another person is a violation of the
    law.
    -Recommended Sentence: 1 year to 6 years.

    Lily's hand skimmed the book Steelfin had lent her.

    1.10a Torture - The act of harming an individual to coerce them into
    action is forbidden by all save the Guard, Defenders, and Employees
    of the Senate who will use the right sparingly. When possible a rep-
    resentative from the temple will use Divine Magic in its stead.
    -Recommended Sentence: 10 - 20 years.

    "I was recently appointed a Magistrate within Peltarch, and I need an Inquisitor Lily."

    The words rang in Lily's head as she reviewed the Peltarch Code of Laws. It was atop Sam's hill where Shannon asked her. The same spot she watched as Ashan cut Sam down for not wearing a hat to hide his face within Peltarch so many years ago. Oh she knew all too well what it meant to be an Inquisitor. What it meant when someone as corrupt as Aspera Chillwind was giving the orders.

    Lily's hand paused as she noted a gap between laws. The city may have stricken the law from record, but they wouldn't strip it from her memory. Folks gathered around as Sam was lashed in Peltarch's courtyard for his curse… simply for being part orc... for not covering his face within the city.

    She would have to leave Jiyyd and move to Peltarch. Sure she had a dozen reasons not to take the offer, but one reason to accept kept surfacing to the top. Don't let what happened to Sam... happen to anyone else.


  • Search for a Shattered Soul: Part III

    …The door slammed shut as the figures entered the home. "eh?!?" Lily quickly sat up from the couch, as the book fell to the ground with a gentle thud. "Wha'...wha' are you guys doin' 'ere?" Lily asked with a sense of urgency. "its time Ms. Lily." Torch replied with a certain resolve. Lily began to gather her gear, she had known that the time would come, the time that they would go looking for the remaining stones to return Bottesini. Little did she realize it would have been so soon. "Where are we goin'?" Torch remained silent, as he watched Ka'ell examine the tome that now lay on the floor. Slowly Lily began to count the faces around her. Most were still here, some that had originally started this crusade to help a friend. Some new, like the odd woman, the one that talked to herself. She kept referring to things in a third person, referring to Mojo or some such.

    "How did you guys say you opened the portal last time?" Ka'ell flipped through the empty pages. "We juss, well...I don' know...Attentus juss kinna stared at it and it began etching words into the brittle pages." Ka'ell turned the book from side to side, turning it around before looking into it again. No words appeared this time, only a soft glow that illuminated onto the pages. "I think we have something here." Ka'ell said with excitement. "Yuh, yuh we know Ka'ell...its...behind yuh..." As Ka'ell turned he could see where the faint glow was illuminating from. A portal behind him had been opened. "Well, this our next move isn't it?" Walkman asked, half to himself, and half to the others. Rando and the others had given a soft nod before entering the portal.

    "Nuuuuuughhhhhhh." The man tapped his leg rhythmically as he relieved himself. "Eh?…What?...who goes there?!?" The man quickly zipped his trousers up before turning around to greet the newcomers with suspicion. "How, What?...Who tha' 'ell are the lot of you!...and 'ow did'ja sneak up on me...SPEAK UP!" Unsheathing his sword, the man took a step forward. "Wull, you!…speak up!...who are you lot, and whatcha doin' sneakin' up on me like tha'?!" Elord quickly snapped. "Were here to find a friend of ours..." Growing more agitated, the man began pointing the sword around, motioning to the trees nearby. "I think....mebbe the lot of you, your... your spies, that's what I think." The man nudged the sword closer to Elord's midsection. From the distance a familiar voice pierced the air. "Captain, honestly, that's quite enough! These folks, they are our guests." Making his way closer to the group, we were greeted by yet another version of Bottesini. "Ahh, Lily, Walkman, Torch...I trust you all are well. Have you come for the wedding ceremony? Come, come, you must meet my wife to be."

    Slowly one by one the group made their way into the castle. "Sit, make yourselves at home. Anything you need, simply ask, its yours for the taking." The group slowly, methodically sat. Lily entered the room, and began to survey where she should sit, whom would help her this time around in discerning the location of the stone they would need. Sitting near Ka'ell, Lily began to whisper. "Ka'ell, I need to share with yuh wha' Attentus saw in Bott's 'ome. 'Ee saw visions of a city in turmoil, a wedding, and a knife. We've already seen tha' city in turmoil, it burned to ashes. were not sure which weddin' 'Ee saw, whether it was Shane's or Bottesini's first marriage. Buh this is prolly it, we need to figure out wha' tha' knife 'as ta do with this!" Lily and Ka'ell whispered to one another as the group was introduced to Bottesini's fiancée. "With sincerity, I implore you, simply ask the servant maid, she will get you anything you wish. As for me and my wife, we have a rather long day ahead of us, if you'll excuse us." Letting his fiancée exit first, Bottesini exited with haste. Quickly Lily's eyes shifted around the room, already others were looking to leave and explore the vast corridors.

    "Listen, I think something's going to 'appen to one of them!...We need to watch..." As quickly as the words exited her mouth, the ground tremor and flung the group to the ground like rag dolls. gathering their wits, the few that remained in the room, fled to the opposite corridor in which the others traveled to. Turning the corner, Lily gasped in horror, as Walkman stood leaning against the wall opposite to the massive cedar door. The hinges had smoldered off, and the planks blackened from the blast. With a cough of smoke, Walkman slunk to the cold stone floor. "Unnngh, I'm alright, they...they need yuh in there." Pointing forward, Lily ran to treat Walkmans wounds as the others entered the room.

    There stood Bottesini, stooped over the remains of his fiancée, life fluttered from her chard remains. Sticking out from his side, a blade, twisted and lodged in between his ribcage. "She....she was....the....assassin...she....she was sent...to...." Before he could finish, there lay two lovers, entwined in their fate. Glancing to Rando, one thing entered Lily's mind, what would happen were they found in this room, the two slain, foreigners to wherever it was that they were. "Rando! Walkman!... Barricade that door, quick!... we don' wan' anyone finding us 'ere....now...like this..." Rando slowly pulled the bookcase to the doorway, blocking our only exit. I was more worried about him blocking their only entrance. Torch reached down pulling the dagger from Bottesini's side, blood spurted out dripping on the stone nearby. As he lifted it up to inspect it, the dagger shimmered and turned to dust. It slithered and trickled between his fingers, piling on the floor. With disgust Torch kicked the pile of dust with his foot. Chink, Chink, chink, chink chink... Out of the ashes a Gem came tumbling near Lily's foot. "Another shard!" As quickly as Lily picked it up, the group opened they're eyes, and they were once more in the home of Bottesini the wandering mage.

    "We have the three stones, that's all we need right.", "I havn't a clue.", "What do you mean, you don't know?!?"...

    "HUSH..." Ka'ell's stern tone demanded attention. "There might be more within the book, we need to find out." Ka'ell flipped through the pages again, they shimmered, and the tomes rough pages began to scorch. Dropping it on the table, the words lit the pages and a portal, red as the ruby within Bott's hand shown. "Wha'...wha' do those words say?!?" With a shrug, Ka'ell responded. "Its in Abyssal, how should I know." With a confused look, the group stood there lost for words. "I'll find out, gimme a minute, the towers just on the other side of Jiyyd." And with that, the mage made his way out of the front door.

    "Wull, wha' do we do in the meantime?" Lily said with inquisition, looking to the others for suggestion. "Guess we get ready to go into yet another portal eh?" Rando, simple, yet to the point. The portal hissed in the background, echoes of chaos, shrieks of pain heard from within. Without question, Ka'ell would need to hurry. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours. What was taking him so long. Suddenly when it seemed as we could take no more, Ka'ell entered eager and excited. "I found out what it means." Holding it in hand, he read the translation. "Lake of fire, from wince the portal bleeds, recite the words, and within the fire you will bleed." As soon as the words left his mouth, Ka'ell vanished before our eyes. "oh hell!" Rando recited the words quickly and soon did follow the rest of the group. Lily squeezed Bottesini's shoulder before reciting the words.

    Everything became bright, opening her eyes Lily looked around. "eh?" The carnage that ensued, can barely be described in words. The ground scorched and burnt, minions coming through rocks. Beasts made of flames, and cackling heard from beyond pillars of rocks. The battle was already afoot, Lily had little time to react, instincts took over. Trying to help those around her that had fallen, slowly the group pushed back the beasts engulfed in flames. Still the cackles of a beast still unknown pierced through the air. Winding around and between rocks, images could be seen, some creature delivering blows. A man crying out. "What do you WANT?!?…"

    The group quickly looked for whatever blessings and wards they could find. A cursed tongue, unknown to most, spoke within the darkness. Slowly the blessings we'd enchant would be rebuked! The group had no choice but to push forward with haste. Turning the last corner, there in clear view was the beast. The creatures eyes shown forth, piercing like the sun. The beast's face chiseled with bone, horns twisting and contorting around the smug grin. Cackles now became bellows, and they were sounds of laughter. The beast taunted us, continuing to bark forth his cursed tongue. "Hrah hah haa haaa." WhaM The beast brought down his fist like a mighty hammer. Sadly across the torso of our friend Bottesini. Across the ground he rolled, like a tattered bail of hay. Once she had cast this blessing, and again it would be cast on Rando that stood before her. With a stern tone, she did not request, but she did demand but one thing.

    "AttAAAaaaaK!" With precision Rando lunged forward to deliver the first blow. Armor shimmered white, and stone shards glowed bright. Unlike Grag, Rando would not be hindered by Lily's attempts to help this day. Elord, and Torch followed in pursuit after Rando. Looking back Walkman commanded. "Ka'ell, Cera…..NOW!!!" On cite, the sky lit. Flashes of blue and turquoise nearly drowned out the fiery sky. The beast whaled, with a swoop of its arm, Rando was thrown to the air. Crashing into the rock pillars, shards fell to the floor. Without the blessings, Rando would have been nothing more then a puddle of blood after that assault. His eyes pierced through the helm and with certainty he proclaimed. "LILY!...Get BOTT!" Dragging him, Walkman and Lily made their way to the back of the battle, near the portal. Cackling still, the beast began to summon clouds of dark among his escape, flickering from here to there. Darkness would show through, and among it would be the beast. Laughing, taunting still. Just then the air around the portal became dark as well. "Hah hah hah, you may 'ave Bott. But your stuck 'ere now!"

    With a crackle and a spark, the portal closed on itself. A victory won, but a battle lost. The group slowly gathered themselves, and circled around Bottesini. "Why, why did you come. Now...your all be stuck here. You...you shouldn't have come." With a lowered head, Bottesini could say nothing more. "Ka'ell, 'ow many mages would you need to open another portal." Lily asked with uncertainty. "I don't know. Four, maybe five." Lily looked deep in thought. "Wull, wha'...wha' if I 'elped...I could give yuh guys enough 'elp to open one...I....I think." Timid at first, she wasn't really sure if she could even help them one bit. "Lily, we still wouldn't have any way to open a portal. I havn't an idea how to open one. Look at Bott, I doubt he'll be much of help. He can barely walk let alone help open a portal of any significant stature." Just then a ring within Ka'ells pocket glittered and a hue of green could be seen glowing from within his pocket. "Eh? Wait, Lily, we might be able to. With this, its a ring, to the Emerald Tower. Maybe if we focused on it, the three of us, we...we might be able to open a portal home."

    So there stood the three of them. Bottesini, Ka'ell, and Cera. Huddled in a triangle around the ring. All three focused on the emerald ring and its fluttering hope of a return home. Lily circled the group, giving whatever blessings remained. Knowing they had but one shot, she gave them all she could, to ensure they would finish they're task. A Blessing of wisdom, to help them be certain of their incantations. One of Endurance, knowing they would need to try as hard as they could for as long as they could. And one of Clarity, to help them ward away any distractions. And atop that cursed soil, she knew there would be many of trials. Circled the rest of the group watched, knowing little else was left, but hope and prayer.

    The area around the ring began to glow, and it became more dense. "Hurry, there's not much time. Get in, QUICK!" One by one, the group entered. Certain not to leave Bottesini last, Walkman snagged a hold of his arm and pulled him in with the others. They're task finally complete, the group wandered down the Emerald Tower, making they're way to Jiyyd. Many had decided, a feast was in store, and were content on spending the afternoon in Bottesini's home. After all, the man had only eaten but a meal in nearly a month. They were to see to it, that he would not perish this night due to starvation.

    The Maple door opened sternly and swift. The group boasting of an adventure only equal to that of one with a bard to spin tales of their wonder and peril. Some slithered down the wall to reach the floor with their rears, while others looked for comfort to rest they're wary bones. Lily took a seat on the couch, and others sat in the chairs near by. All eyes rested on the portal, quiet as a whisper, yet still illuminating bright within Bottesini's home. "Why do you think it 'asn't closed yet do you suppose?" Lily said with an inquiry, turning her attention to those gathered around. Had she realized what would have happened when she turned her head, I think highly she would have thought otherwise.

    With a wisp and an echo, a cackle was heard, the air became dense, and heavy upon her cheek. "Huh?" With little warning, the portal became a vacuum. Books sputtered to the floor, and pages spun in the air. Everyone clung to furniture and anything they could to gain support. Suddenly papers and books fell to the floor, composing themselves, they looked around. "Where's Lily?!?" As the group looked around, all that was apparent was the arm of the couch was torn. Glancing to the wooden floor all that could be seen was a few deep fingernail scratching and a broken nail or two. A few strands of Crimson hair were all that remained of the person most only knew as Lily…

    "Hah hah haaa haaa haaaaa…" And with a cackle the portal was contained, and a scream was implored…


  • Search For a Shattered Soul: Part II

    "Unnngh." Lily's eyes opened slowly. Glancing around it took her some time to arrange what had happened over the last few hours. They had made their way to the temple, but, where were they now? Slowly and lethargically, Lily lifted herself up using the wall as support. A hand flashed as she made it half way to her feet. "Ere, I'll 'elp yuh Lily." Grasping the thick palm, Lily started to piece the course of event from the last few days. Holding a hand to the back of her head and rubbing, Lily looked around soaking in the new surroundings once more. "Where…..where are we?!?" Just then a familiar hins voice scratched its way past the sound of battle. "We don't have a lot of time Lily, we need to keep moving.." Merin glanced around, looking as baffled as I. "Its nice to see your 'ere Lily." With a short greeting from Grag, Lily made sure to keep up with the group. Still she looked around, puzzled in where they were. Cracked walls, drapes set on fire, oil trickling and slithering across the floor, catching the cracks, and twisting and contorting at every chance. Metal on metal, flesh being torn in two. Those who didn't think fast, were left among the dead. "Wha's goin' on Merin? Where are we?" Merin shrugged, and quickly increased his pace to keep up with the others. "No Clue lily, somewhere...in...Bott's past?!?"

    "Hey, you two back there, keep up, and keep quiet! Were here for one thing, and one thing alone. The King must die today, or our efforts will have been for nothing!" A man lofting a rather large sword over his shoulder barked his orders at us. Growing impatient, Lily pressed Merin further for more answers. "Who....who is tha'?" Snapping a finger near a corner, it sparkled and illuminated. "Bott, well, a younger version of him at least. Best I can put together, were reliving a memory of his." Lily repeated to herself the visions that had led them to here. City of Turmoil, wedding, and a knife. Those were the images that fluttered and floated in Attentus's head prior to passing out. Was this the City of Turmoil he spoke of, certainly the carnage all around would indicate so. Just then the figure that resembled Bottesini, stood hunched over, looking through a gap in the door frame. "Quiet everyone, there's something behind this door... its big!" Kicking the door open, the door squealed and the joints hissed as if ready to splinter upon contact. There standing in the middle of the room was this massive beast, made of stone. His eyes tinted as he looked up from whatever it was he was doing. An arcane weave, and a few seconds later the air shimmered and five blue hues of energy shot from Bottesini's fingertips. They twirled and darted in the air, the beasts eyes showing a brief indication of Red, quickly reflected the light of the blasts back. Shards of rock tumbled to the ground, and an echo was heard. "Ruuuuuaaaaaaahhhhhuuuuu." Huddled with his head down, the beast paused for a moment, only long enough for Bottesini to shout out… "MOVE!….here he cooOoomes!"

    Running with left shoulder drooped, the beast came crashing through the doorway that was far to small for such a massive beast. Wood splintered, stone cracked, and too many were left on their rears defenseless. Axe in hand, Grag charged towards the beast. "GrraaaAAaaaaa!" Axe met stone, and chips spewed to the floor. Backhanding the orc, the beast sent him through a stone pillar. Staggering in place, the beast looked to be nearly beat. His eyes sparkled again and a grin could nearly be seen upon the stone beasts smug exterior. There at his foot layed Merin, knocked over from the previous onslaught upon the doorway. Raising his fists, the beast stood over his prey, awaiting to deliver his blow. "NOoooo. yuUuuh doOon't!" Just then Grag came plummeting through the air with axe raised again, this time sinking it heavily into the beasts back, stuck in place, Grag began to cling onto the stone creatures back, punching at it, as his fists became bloody. "Leeave…...them.....aLOnE!" The air sparkled once more, and then a chunk came tearing through the beast, nearly taking Grag with it. The beast fell face forward crashing to the ground. Grag lay atop it, rubbing his head. Everyone's face was one that of horror, as Bottesini stood there arm extended, and arcane mist hovering around his palm. "Lets go, we don't have time for this."

    Gathering whatever they could, the group quickly continued. The group pressed forward with little resistance, only an occasional assault of shadow creatures. The heart of the battle always seemed to be just in the distance, lucky for them. The group only consisted of maybe seven to eight strong, less then that in good stature up to this point. Their journey had come to a halt suddenly, what lay before them was a large pine door. Etched with wards and markings, Bottesini waved off those at hand, and instructed us to prepare for a final battle, this might be the last of their pursuit. Slowly we talked over a strategy, perhaps defenses we might need to gather enough advantage to turn any final battles we might encounter. Holding some white powder in hand Lily glanced over to Grag. "If things get rough in there, juss 'ollar, I won' be far from yer backside." Grag nodded once before making way towards the door, to see what Merin and Bottesini had unveiled. "Wull, lets open it eh?" Grag lifted his enormous foot, but before he could bring it to the door frame, some liquid began to slink and ooze through cracks forming in the wood. "Eh?…wha's that?!?" Grag's question was drowned out by a sudden creek and splitting of the wood. "Move BACK!" It was too late, the water shot through the cracks splintering the wood.

    PHWWOOOOSH! Water spurted out like daggers and a few of our adventurers fell like loose stands of hair. As the water pooled near the center of the room, too many of our friends were on the cold stone, bleeding from open wounds. The water slowly lifted and raised into the air, some sort of figure formed. "Wha'…wha' is tha'?" Lily said as the figure began to give away more facial structures. "Its...its another elemental!.....hurry.....we.....must...ki.....kill it...." Bottesini could barely talk, each word was accompanied by a spurt of blood that trickled down his chin. Grag stood there using the end of his axe for support, looking at Lily. "Wha'? Oh....right!" Just then, Lily tossed the powder she had against Grag, and began to softly whisper. The powder began to glow and harden, soon Grag exterior was as gruff as that creature we fought minutes ago. Grag winced as the blessing sunk deep into his skin, A few shards of rock fell to the ground after Grag plopped the axe hilt onto his shoulder. "Wull, tha' farkin 'urts!" It had dawned on me, I never used that spell prior to that day. Had I done it wrong? Had I messed up an enchantment along the way? Why was Grag in so much pain? "Wull.....better....make this....count.....eh?" Grag continued to wince with ever step. What was wrong? Just then it dawned on me, I had never seen anyone cast this blessing on anyone currently injured, but I never knew why. The spell covered his skin with shards of rock, but what would it do to the wounds already in tact.

    As Grag faced the creature, they squared off, toe to toe. Lily frantically tended to the folks near by, helping keep those clinging to deaths doorstep with them. Each blow, Grag would cut through the watery exterior of the creature. Each slash the beast would take a chunk of stone and flesh with it as well. Grag was slowly losing the battle. These folks will have to wait Lily thought. Sam and Lily had rehearsed this scenario time after time. All those battles on the hill, all that mattered was one single person. Didn't matter who it was, often it was Sam, but not this time. Grag was our wall, if he fell, we all would perish with him. Lily perched herself behind Grag's massive stature, and rested both her palms on his backside, chanting, whispering, doing all she could to keep the orc on his feet. Even if it seemed inevitable, she had to believe her skills could, no, would turn the tides of any battle!

    "I...can't....Lily.....it.....'urts too MUCH!" Grags blows seemed to be lessened and even more vigor was exerted with each swing. Slowly the blessing faded, and the stone chunks fell to the ground, taking pieces of flesh with it. Lily's eyes boggled in horror, that's what she had done wrong. Putting that blessing to work after someone was injured did almost as much damage as it did good. The skin would harden, and then the blessing would spread to the wounds, twisting, turning, sticking slivers within the wounds, solidifying them as well. Using what fleeting spells she had left, she did the best she could to keep Grag afoot. Lifeless and motionless, the water hit the floor, and ran into nearby cracks. It was over with, for now.

    The wounded were helped to their feet, and the group slowly entered the remaining room. "Empty!!!" We were too late, and Bottesini's anger was apparent. All that remained, was an empty thrown room. And some runes imprinted in the floor in front of the throne. "NO, were too late!….no, No, NOo.." Picking up a stone in the middle of the runes, Bottesini tossed it to the floor with disgust. Chink, CHiNK**, CHink, Chink, chink…it tumbled just in front of Lily's foot. With a snag, she picked it up looking at it. The stone sparkled and images adorned the smooth surface. A picture of a city burnt aflame, and an image of a Wedding to come. With a grin and purse of her lips, Lily knew this was one of the stones they were after, she quickly put the stone into a pouch tying it closed.

    Cursing and yelling, Bottesini looked in some of the adjacent rooms. "He's gotta be in here somewhere!" Lily looked to Merin before whispering. "Merin, we 'ave wha' we need. There's no reason to find this -tyrant- feller, we 'ave wha' we need. Can you get us back 'ome?" With a blank look Merin blurted. "I haven't a clue where we are, or how to get home? Yet." Just then the silence was pierced by a woman's scream. "EYyyaaaaaaaaaaaaa." Running to one of the open doors, the group gasped as they looked to the woman. Her skin burning, and melting from her bones. "Bott, What are you doing?!?" Bottesini stood huddled over the woman's corpse, with a sneer. "They all must die, every last one of em!" A wave or two of his palms, and three more innocent victims fell to the ground. "Wha' is this place?" Lily muttered as she looked around. It appeared to be a holding cell of some sort, but why was Bottesini flaying them alive?

    "Alright, grab 'im, lets GO!…..NOW!" Lily demanded, as she motioned for Grag to snag Bott and drag him with them. "And for 'eavens sake please tie up 'is 'ands and mouth eh?" As Grag picked up Bott, he didn't heed her warning. Struggling a hand free he sent another arcane bolt at the last remaining prisoner. The stench of smoldering flesh was almost too much to bare. Grag and the others quickly re-entered the throne room. "Let ME GO!" Bottesini barked at Grag, as none of us gave him the go ahead to release him. Just them Bottesini mumbled under his breath something arcane, and his skin began to bubble and turn green. His size began to increase as Grag struggled to keep him atop his shoulder. Nudging Grag back, Bottesini had turned himself into a Troll. There he stood, scolding us for being the poorest excuse for soldiers he'd ever seen. "Cease, and dispel that cursed form Bott, NOW. Before -I- do!" This was one of the few times I had ever seen Merin become so enraged. After an attempted attack on Merin, Bottesini was knocked out cold. Dragging him back to the runes, the group slowly started to piece together how they would return home.

    "Maybe we stand on the runes together and it'll open a portal?" One of the party members murmured as they thought. With little other choice at hand, the group decided to try it. As they stood there, Merin looked at Lily. "Maybe we need a catalyst?" Merin motioned to the stone within the pouch. "Right!" Lily began to tie a piece of string around the pouch, they couldn't loose the stone, they needed it to get Bottesini back. Just as the pouch was tossed out, the center of the circle of runes sparked and flared up. "NO!" Nearly as quickly as it was tossed out, Lily snagged it back into her grasp. The fire grew, and the area around them engulfed in flames. The light grew more intense and suddenly...

    ...They woke standing within Bottesini's home, one stone closer to bringing him back, but the question still remained. Just how many stones still remained?!?


  • Search for a Shattered Soul: Part I

    Lily woke, half the day was already to a close. Today would be the day, the day they entered Bottesini's home to demand him come to his senses. Lily staggered out of the Regal Whore Inn, making her way to Bottesini's home. Her thoughts drifting as she made her way, pondering, fluttering. Thinking only of the state of Bottesini as the weeks have passed. There he remained, in his home all this time. Lily and others had decided, today would be the day, they forced some answers from the wandering mage. Rando made his way closer to Bottesini's home, there Lily sat, huddled under a cloak and hood. The rain pattered off her hood, and drowned out the sounds nearby.

    The weather was as sorrow filled and damp as Bottesini's heart had become. Slowly one by one, folks gathered. With a nod Rando made up his mind, he'd attempt to open the door by force. Gathered by another, and a dwarf, they lunged into the thick maple door. Each time, they sunk their shoulder deeper and lunged harder. Alas, the door would not budge. Lily looked around for another way in. Gazing into the window, she could see a man huddled in his chair. A dim light, only but a few flames tossed and turned. Sccchhhhreeech…The window pane squealed between her fingers and the glass. With a pursing of her lips, she could see this would not grant her entrance. THud.....ThuDD....The men continued to lunge their shoulder deeper and deeper into the grain.

    Thud....What...THud....are....THuD....you....THUD, the dwarf fell lifeless to the ground, and Rando quickly rubbed his head…..doing?!?...a stranger said with an inquisitive tone The man was dressed in exotic garb, shoulder plates similar in color only to blood. The stranger brushed some hair back from his face, as he did nearly every time Lily saw him. But so infrequent was their encounters, she had forgotten his name. "Attentus?!?"...one of the men shouted. With a playful smile, the man greeted us one by one. Gazing to the subtle imprints upon the door, Attentus would inquire our intent this night. "Bottesini is in there....'Ee won' come out....!"...Attentus gave a queer look. "What's so odd about that, he's been known to study for days upon days in the past?" With a crinkle of her nose, Lily replied. "Its not as simple as tha', 'Ee's not studyin' in there....'Ee's been sulkin'....'asn' eatin' anythin' for weeks!..."

    "oh?"...Attentus said with a bit of uncertainty. "If you'd like I could open that door?..." After a quick approval, Attentus softly enchanted, and the air between his thumbs and index fingers began to spark, and illuminate. Shifting to green, a jolt shot out and pierced the lock upon Bottesini's door. Guurggglleee Slowly the lock began to melt into itself, mechanism and bolts melding as one. Within moments, what remained of the lock oozed to the ground bubbling. Smoke slowly rose, and the group entered the Bottesini residence.

    The house smelled of rotten food, and the musk was almost too much to bare. There Bottesini sat, gazing into something in hand. The group approached with caution. "Bottesini?"….."Bott?"...."Oy....yuh there?!?"....The groups inquireries were met with nothing other then silence. Rando and Attentus slowly approached the spot in which Bottesini sat. "Is.....that you Bott....you alright?..."....Rando nudged the mans shoulder. Lifeless, yet strained, Bott sat there eyes stuck gazing, peering at the gem. "Least he's still alive!" One of the men burst. "Hmmmm..." Attentus gazed at the fellow arcane user, with discontent and dismay. pausing and waiting, gazing to the gem in Bott's hand. "Something's not right!" bold, yet certain. Lily took the opportunity to fill in the group as to what they knew up to this point.

    Giving Attentus plenty of time to size the situation. "So far, we know Bottesini retreated to 'ere after we layed Shane ta rest. Wha's left a 'er is.....there..." Pointing to the stone within Bottesini's hand, she continued. Attentus interrupted abruptly. "This isn't Bottesini anymore." The grouped looked on with peculiar eyes. "Well, least, not as you knew him. Just a shell. A vessel, his spirit wanders"...glancing to the stone, Lily gasped. "Tha's not righ', the stone was black!.....Black when 'Ee first got it!" The surface of the stone shimmered and sparkled as the fire kept crackling and snapping. Attentus appeared deep in thought, and would have continued had Lily not interrupted him. "Where, would his...... -spirit-..... have gone?!?" With a puzzled look, Attentus simply shrugged at the woman's inquiries. Blinking Lily was struck with a revelation, the last place they had traveled where Bottesini and Shane had departed. "Tha'......Tha' Shadow plane...."

    "eh?...What do you mean miss?..."... Attentus questioned. "The last place Bottesini saw his wife, was in the Shadow plane! Could tha' 'ave been where 'is spirit 'ad gone?!?"... Pausing for a few minutes, Attentus pierced the silence with yet another pearl of wisdom. "The fool, he must have gone after her, wherever she is, he must be trying to find her!"

    "Buh......'ow do we drag 'im back?.....to 'is shell?..."... Lily sputtered without thought. "I, I do not know." Attentus said flatly. Running his hand across the sleeve of Bottesini, he fluttered his fingertips across the gem. Attentus's eyes glazed over, and he began to sway. THUMP….it was too late, Lily closest to him, was unable to snag him before he hit the wooden planks with the bulk of his weight. Staggering to foot, Lily helped him up. "Wha'....wha' 'appened?..." Rubbing his head. "I....unnghh….too many things, rushing my head at once.....unghhh….visions of....marriage, and a city in turmoil, and.....and a knife...." Attentus winced, rubbing his head.

    Warding the dwarves mind from such onslaught, we had him reach for the gem as well. Never did much trust the ability for a dwarf to think their way through a situation. Alas, our attempts to make anymore headway were coming to a halt. That is, until we found the writing within a tome. The book was open, resting on the table face down. Attentus picked the book up flipping through it. "Blank....The pages are blank." Blunt and to the point. Sighs of despair reached the groups persona. Until, the pages flared, and bold red letters singed and sizzled as they etched their marks onto the rough tome paper.

    Mace can shatter bones, but they will mend! Puzzled we looked at one another, what can that possibly mean? Slowly the letters faded, and as we stood there, baffled more so then before, the tome began to scorch more letters into the tome. Grief can shatter Souls! "oy!. 'ell, don' tell me Bottesini's souls shattered!" The dwarf spurted with ill content. Attentus winced certain that was what happened. "Wull, wha' do we do from 'ere?" Lily looked to some of the other folks now gathered within Bottesini's home. Piecing the course of events, Attentus spoke softly, yet with resolve. "I think we need to get all of Bottesini into one vessel again. Mind, body and Soul. starting with his shatter soul." Lily paused in thought, Attentus questioning. "Where do you think his soul would seek refugee?" With a pursed smile. "Other then within' 'is 'ome, with 'is wife….wha' remains of 'er?...." Attentus nodded. "Wull...prolly with Shane's body, tha's where I'd look first!"

    "I'll stay with Bottesini's shell then. You four, go and find the rest of the pieces. We can't leave him here unattended." Sighing heavily, Lily gathered her things together. With a soft grasp, she squeezed Bottesini's cold shoulder, and made her way towards the wooden door. The door creaked and the group set forth for the temple. Only one thought spun within their head as they trudged up the hill. Just how many shards were there....and whom would dare keep them from attaining them all?


  • A Heart Torn in Two

    "Getting Married?!?"…The words pierced my heart as would a knife to an apple. With a wince and a bow of the head I could see Durai was telling the truth. I swallowed hard looking to find the words I could. I should have been happy for Sam, but I wasn't. "Wha'...I mean....'ow?!?....to WHOM?!?"....a face full of shock and pain mixed into one, blurted out. "I'm....I'm sorry Lily....sorry to be the one to tell you." He rested a hand on my shoulder. I quickly became pale, and staggered a bit. Durai asked me to sit down, forcing a smile forward. I could tell, Durai was still young, he didn't have much experience with this kind of thing, not like his father did. "I....I don't know Lily..."... The rain began to fall, heavy at times. Lily welcomed it, embraced it even... for once it hid the pain she was feeling. Rain mixed with tears, and all Lily could think of was "were they right?" Bottesini, Kanen, even Durai's new wife Shay had spoken time after time....telling her not to wait till it was too late. Is it too late I thought? I would have continued to waste most of the day in thought, had Durai not interrupted. "Lily...have you ever told Sam?....I mean...does he know?" He said with uncomfortable resolve. Not like his father, Durai had so much more to learn. A healer of wounds, but how would he heal a shattered heart. The rain had stopped, and Lily could no longer hide that she had been crying all along. With a moments thought, she gathered herself. "He knows.....he has to..."...She said with certainty. "Well, you have to be certain Lily. I'm not an expert on speaking of love, but...I'd imagine now is the time, before its too late."...Her heart sunk deeper as she thought of what to say next. "buh.....its been 20 years Durai...don'....don' you think something would have happened by now if it was meant to?!?" Durai became silent, simply bowing his head. "I'm….I'm sorry Lily..."...I had known Sam before Durai was even born. All I could do was sit there speechless as Durai continued. "Her names Mellia..."... Mellia, I repeated it to myself wonder whom he even spoke of, I had never even met her. Was Sam hiding her from me, and if so, why?!? Lily remained in silence… "I...Don't trust her with all honesty"...glancing up I looked at Durai with a puzzled look. "Why.....not?"...Durai turned the dirt under his foot..."I don't know....I....wish Shay was here, she could explain it better then I...its just....the woman doesn't seem right?"...Even more puzzled I looked to Durai as he continued. "She...is a rather odd woman, Shay and I met her....I.....fear she's going to hurt him, if not worse." My heart had finally settled for a moment or two, when I looked to Durai. "Wha'...do you mean?"...I said with uncertainty, worrying about Sam's well being for once, rather then my petty feelings. "Its just...she's not right Lily.....she's spiraling downward. And I'm afraid she's going to take Sam with her."...I swallowed hard, trying to gather myself. My stomach hurt, more so then ever before. Durai looked over, hanging his head again. "I'm sorry Lily....I really am..." Tears began to fall again, wiping at her face she sat there in her own sorrow. "He....picked the wrong girl." Durai said with a lowered tone. Sitting there, the words only dug deeper into my already exposed heart. "I'm sorry Lily....I....need to find him....to talk to him."...Gritting his teeth, Durai made his way out the gates.....uncertain what his encounter with Sam would resolve...


  • There's no celebration for the DEAD! (part III)… …"Dragon! On Sam's hill!"...the words pierced the silence like hot steel on flesh. As Sam and I turned our mouths gaped at the beasts size. It towered over Sam four fold, and just as wide. The beasts scaley skin shimmered red, darker then any blood that had spilt upon the Nars Pass. "what's going on?" We explained as many of the adventurers were tossing bags of coins to the wet grass. " The dragon, it...its demanding 100 gold per head!" Someone replied despite the fear in his voice. With a snarl Sam layed the gold down as did I. What were we to do? Not much you CAN do, when a dragon demands something. You do it or become forgotten umong the dead.

    With a cackle, the dragon spoke, "perhaps I might put to good use this fire wood?" Directing her attention to the chairs that layered the hill. Her words, they slithered and etched their marks deep within your head. Her mear gaze froze many of us in our spots. A few men quickly grabbed the chairs laughing off that this wood was mearly kindling for such a majestic beast...cowards...The dragon grinned and smoke poured from its nostrils. "That's right my puppets, pay my toll, think twice about coming back to MY hill."

    Arching its head back glaring at Sam, almost taunting the warrior. "YOUR hill?" Sam said stunned. "Ain't nobody's hill, no man, no beast...this hills for everyone to enjoy." He protested with a scowl. "No! Sam!" I shouted...but my plea was drown out by the flames beltched forth. More startled then harmed, everyone moved back further. One lad nearly backed right off the edge of the cliff. The dragon's teeth shimmered past its grin, as more smoke arose from the pit of its mouth.

    Just then...a half dozen adventurers made their way towards the hill from Jiyyd. The dragon turned, showing an opportunity for escape..."Everyone OFF the HILL! NOW!" Sam exclaimed. Still weak in the knees I stood there... unable to move. The dragon's head turned slightly grinning to witness the adventurers flee. The dragon's mouth tensed, and just as it looked as though he would spit forth more flames....the beast was distracted....by Sam waving and yelling "Over 'ere you ugly dragon...over here!" With his feet pumping as fast as he could the man ran to the backside of the hill.

    Time passed as we stood at the foot of the hill. The men frantically chopped the chairs into shards. While the women scowled Sam's idiocy. All i could do was weep for the man i knew would not be returning. Time nearly stopped that afternoon... I settled myself as I realized no one was going to see if Sam had survived. Calmly standing I brushed the dirt from my legs and stumbled forward as the group continued to argue who would check on Sam. "I'll go..." I said softly. Another woman offered to join me, but I waved her off, knowing Sam would already be upset that I returned. That is... if Sam still lived.

    I quickly made my way up the backside of the hill. As I peered across the hill I saw to my surprise, Sam wasn't dead. He was slowly backing away still arguing with the beast. "Jus' cause you bigger then most, don't mean you kin' go pushing everyone around!" Sam scowled. "Sam, don't!" I exclaimed. The beast grinned and stepped closer. "Miss Tiger? GET OUTTa here...NOW!" With little expression hidden I replied "No Sam, not without you!" I tugged on the back of his shirt, the beasts mouth opened and..... time froze. For the first time this day, I was no longer cold...

  • ?

    Wonderful, Tigrelily. Keep it up!


  • There's no celebration for the DEAD! (part II)… …Entering the pass, the air was still cool, and the sky a bit overcast. For nearly two weeks I had visited the man on the hill they call Sam, not realizing how profound the encounters have become. I had initially come to the hill to see that Sam was fit to still fight and to see he didn't get to badly wounded. Little did I know the day would end far more tramatic then we planned.

    As i made my way up the hill I was met by Sam and Clandra. Sam excused himself, stating he was going on a walk. I asked to join, but Sam asked me to stay and watch over Clandra. Lil' did I realize their true intent. Clandra motioned for me to join her, we staggered to the edge of the hill, with a stern yet soothing voice Clandra asked, "How do you feel about Sam?" "Sam? He's a very kind and gentle man, why?" I replied. "Yes, but he's very lonely..." Clandra remarked. In confusion I muttered "...but...So many come to Sam's hill, he...he has so many friends up here....how can he possible be lonely?!?" "Yes, but no woman to call his own..." I sighed heavily as I realized where this conversation was heading.

    "I'm not asking you to marry the guy Tiger, i'm just saying...if Sam were to ask you to a walk or to keep 'im company, would ye?" I picked up a stone unsure of my reply and tossed it over the edge. "I...I don't know...could I have time to think about this?" Clandra nodded and left me with my thoughts.

    Soon there after Bruno stumbled over... "Whatcha doin' all by yerself?" "Nothing, just thinking..." I muttered. " 'Bout what?" bruno replied...he always has such a curious nature to 'im. "...about Sam, and me...and what Clandra asked me..." With a grin Bruno exclaimed "wull, Sam does like ya alots!" We talked for what seems ages, more about Bruno's current relationship problems then mine. But still, it was warming to see, despite miss Clandra's actions Bruno still loved 'er... "Miss Tigre?" Bruno exclaimed before leaving me to myself. "Yes..." "Wants me to send Sam's over?" With a light smile I replied. "No Bruno, I need to think about a few more things... I'll be over shortly..."

    Shortly after I stood and stretched...trying to muster up the courage to go and talk to Sam. Each time standing I was lost in thought, and sat down quickly. "Miss Tiger?" Sam asked with a gentle voice catching me off guard from behind with a pink face and stuttering voice I muttered "yes...Sam?" "Whatcha doin' over 'ere by yerself?", "Just thinking Sam..." Sam spoke confidently "What about?"

    "Us..." "Ohhhh..." Sam said with uncertainty... without hesitation the sky became dark and the wind picked up... Sam and I, too caught up in our conversation to take notice. Our conversation was haulted by the cry of one of the adventurers...."DRAGON!!!"......