Crash and Burn, Another Layer of Secrets

The fight with the Trolls was short lived. I tried to get a view of the contraption that had goblins on it, but the thing looked nothing more than a cliffside. Here I was hoping that I might have been able to quietly take down an aircraft while the other’s hopefully dealt with the trolls.

I stayed put, relying on the others to defend the ship. I had Ridik prepare himself to attack a troll, but before he could, fire broke out on the aircraft and soon we were descending toward the ground. Fear should have gripped me, I could feel it under my skin, but determination to survive outweighed it and I went to the edge of the aircraft to make a leap into the shadows once I was close enough.

People died in the crash. I barely made it without a scrape. Those I ate breakfast with survived. However I lost my slate and chalk in the midst of my jumping. After a few minutes of looking I came across my slate, chipped and scratched. The chalk is still missing.

Looking around, I could spot a building in the distance. I was confident enough if we got closer I’d be able to figure out where we were. Once everyone was accounted for, there was a small debate about if we should avoid towns nearby and head right to Boradein or if going to a town would be wise so we had shelter for the night. I try to explain that I had shelter under control. That was one of the best things I learned was how to create a house for me and Roes to live in. It lasted long enough for us to rest and maybe have a bite to eat. No one seemed to believe my ability.

So I summoned a house. Everyone seemed impressed.

However, we did take off for the town just in view. We were slightly apprehensive. An aircraft crashing isn’t exactly a good thing and there was some paranoia that staying with the wreckage would bring unwanted attention to us. Yet going to the town... what if they blamed us? I don’t know. I wasn’t too concerned. I hoped to get a replacement chalk and a map while there.

As we got closer I was able to figure we were west of the Red Fist Range. We were roughly 3 to 5 days away from Boradein.The town looked like Hallowfield, a town my parents took me and my siblings as a kid. In fact there was a playwright at the time I really admired. Antonal Telthim. He was brilliant in the stories he told via stage. How I’ve missed theater...

Giver had gone off to scout the town ahead since it looked as though smoke was rising up. He returned shortly and many building had been leveled by fire. There was lots of blood too. Was this possible the work of him? Giver’s description was too inconclusive for me to want to share my suspicions. He wanted to investigate further and suggest only a few go to hopefully not draw attention. I was all for not drawing attention. So Giver took the Gnome, Goban, to go scout. I told Ridik to go look as well so I could see what they saw and gain possibly a better idea if he was behind it.

Neep, Selina, and I sat around (Thessadin was knocked out during the attack and left behind at the aircraft... I’m sure we’ll go back for him). Neep came over to me and asked if she could write something in my journal. I said sure since that was the only thing she could write to me on in private.

I would reiterate what she had confided in me, but alas I already wonder if I’ve written too much. It is suffice to say we both come from lavish worlds, but she is daft to not find great joy in banquettes and balls. To have fine clothes and people waiting on you hand and foot, what is not to love about it? Ugh I feel she’s foolish, but I must say. She is everything I ought to be. Wealthy, but not caught up in it at the expense of others. Roes would love her. She would have gotten along better with her than me if mine and Neep’s roles were switched.

With what Neep disclosed to me, had me feeling confused as well. Not about the lifestyle choice she’s chosen, but rather why she felt she should confide in me,. Granted, she did say, and I quote, “I feel you aren’t one with loose lips.” Oh, if only she knew how much I love gossip. Plus, it’s not my choice I can’t go around easily blabbing to people.

However I’ll keep her secret safe. There was something endearing about how much confidence she held in me. We did just acquaint with each other this morning. How trusting she was to confide in me, someone who must look like nothing, like filth, let alone untrustworthy. Never had I found anyone I felt willing to confide in my secrets... not even Roes. Roes was always scolding me for being inconsiderate to those around me, for thinking of myself, especially since she and I were a team. But would she really have believed me if I told her? Or would she assume I was mad and making up an elaborate story to get her to pity me more? I don’t know. At the time she was the only one who was patient with me. She, though annoyed by my selfish tendencies and incapabilities to fend for myself, stuck with me. Though I harbor some hope that I might once more obtain my body, I figured I had best get settled in to my new way of life and bury deep my secrets, avoiding the thought of divulging them with Roes.

Roes is gone now, at least temporarily. With her absence, it was easy for me to sift through all the past things, the fears I’ve suppressed with her near. How the anger toward him surfaced and how my suspicions lead to it being him behind Roes’s kidnapping. And if it is him, my revenge shall be neigh.

Oh I don’t even want to think about that though. I crave revenge, but I haven’t a clue how to go about it other than to collect forces and to take out his points of control one by one. What will I do once I get to him? If I kill him I’m condemned to this wretched body forever! And what about the poison? Eventually I’m to be no better than him right? I can’t remember. I don’t think I’ve changed over the past decade. Rather I’m fairly sure I’ve become a better person with the life I’ve lived on the streets. There is more perspective, even though I’d go back to my old life in a heartbeat if given the opportunity.

Okay, now back to the purpose of why these thoughts came up. Neep confided in me her secret. For the first time ever, I felt I could trust someone with mine. Granted, mine must seem so elaborate and inconceivable, but it seemed fair that if she trusted me, I ought to show some trust in her.

So I wrote out my secrets. She knows my name. She know’s his name. Neep knows this isn’t my body. I failed to tell her my lack of speech is a curse to prevent me from being able to divulge his secrets. How surprised he would be to know I’ve learned to communicate with my hands. Then again, it’s not like I’ve told of his dark workings, yet.

Feeling particularly vulnerable, I put the light back on Neep. Coming from a wealthy upbringing, she was too noticeable still. Even I could see she was from class the way she dressed. And if she wanted to stay hidden, especially from him (for I’m sure if he’s heard of her story he’d have his goons and guards all aware and looking for her), she needed to disguise herself.

Part of me was very excited by the idea of cutting her hair and at some point scuffing her cloak. Part of me cringed at doing something so awful. Thankfully Neep was ever enthusiastic by the idea I suggested.  She was very daring too. I pulled out a ribbon and she wrapped her fair hair that hung down to her waist, just below her hairline on her neck. Carefully I cut her hair. I cringed once her hair fell around her face. It was less even than I had hoped it to be. Ugh! Why am I unable to do anything as simple as cutting hair perfectly!?

I tried to apologize, writing once we get to a town, we’ll find someone to even it up. I pulled out my mirror so she could see what I was referring to. Instead, she marveled at the transformation. To my surprise Neep loved the cut. I gave one final touch to her hair; bangs. Once more, uneven, but not as crazy as the bob she was sporting.

The only thing that would probably give Neep away now was her periapt. I asked if she could ditch it, but she said it was what helped channel her magics. I frowned. Something as special as that wouldn’t go unnoticed despite the different hair. Perhaps we can figure out a way to disguise it later.

Suddenly Ridik tells me we had best come. Oh, Neep knows about him. Apparently she caught sight of him back on the aircraft. I tugged at Neep indicating we had best get going. When we get to town, it is a smoldering mess of embers and fire. Giver and Goban are off to one side, Giver looking terrible! Despite his condition the other thought that pressed into my mind was Neep’s cloak. I tugged on it, signalling I wanted it. She willingly passed it to me to which I took it over to one of the smoldering embers and flung the cloak on it as though trying to put out a fire.

Whatever looks were passed, I ignored. Perhaps more care should  have been given to Giver. However he didn’t look like he was dying, though understandably not in great condition. Once I was satisfied with the condition of Neep’s cloak, I gave it back to her. It was burnt and would wear quickly now along our travels. Hopefully at a quick glance, people will see another urchin like me. Her periapt and armor will give her away as being someone not completely of the streets, but it was a good start.

Apparently the town had some kind of monster lurking about. Goban nuked the place with fireballs and that is why they survived. The only place unscathed is the manor that belonged to Antonal. I tell Ridik to go scout it incase other creatures lurked there. Once he leaves Giver takes me aside. He actually was looking better than he had a few minutes ago.

“You know, shadow is undead, right? He like ghost,” he said to me. I gave him a confused look. I never thought of Ridik as a ghost. He was dark, shadow like. I’ve figured ghosts were more translucent and white in appearance. Giver took in my look and continued, “I’m not saying he bad, but if he hurt someone, someone in party, I have to kill him,” he explained. That irked me. And scared me. I pull my journal out and write to Giver.

I was unaware of that. All I know is he said he’d protect me. He watches my back. I’ve already told him not to attack certain people, like you and Neep. I don’t think you need to worry.

“Alright. But I told you. If he hurt someone in party, someone innocent, I have to kill him,” Giver responds. I don’t like him threatening my shadow. He was the first to come to my aid when I lost Roes. Giver may have given me food to eat, but where in there has my shadow given him reason for alarm.

But, it has only been about a week with Ridik. Did I really know him? If Giver’s right, I have made friends with a type of ghost... ugh, curse you Giver for ‘enlightening’ me! I’m just gonna stop thinking about that and hope you never has to ‘deal’ with Ridik.

People wonder if we could acquire money from the place. I tell them if not this place, I knew of places that we could get money. I got a few looks, as though I was crazy, but they’ll thank me later when we’re able to obtain funding for our needs.

Ridik tells me of the contents of the home. It seems empty. We all head there. We explore around, I finding a desk full of papers with names. Roughly 4 dozen names that mean nothing to me. I pocket them incase they prove of importance. Actually I don’t know why that would be important to me. It’s not like I have many friends left that would believe I was the really Lady Melbrit. But I held onto the papers never the less.

As I continued to explore the house, it was clearly not Antonal’s things. It was different. As though someone else lived there. But, why did that stand out to me? I hadn’t been to here in 10 years. Things change. I suppose the things I saw didn’t seem like furnishings he’d have in his home.

A scream pierced the manor. We all rushed to the attic. In there we find a girl, about 12 years of age. Something terrible had happened. I had Neep be my mouthpiece as I asked about who the new playwright was and what happened to Antonal. Antonal died of old age, which I believed. The manor was now the home of a Sophia, apparently the new playwright in town. The girl was very excited to finally be able to perform for her, but at the play, people began to change into monster? Or monster attacked? Either way, people were dying, disappearing and monsters were involved.

Giver mentions a symbol. I ask to see it. He pulls it out to show all of us. When the girl sees it, she screams and freaks out. So much, Giver grabs her and holds her until she goes unconscious. Probably the best... I wonder what the symbol represents. It wasn’t recognizable to me.

We take the girl back to the aircraft where we meet back up with a few of the survivors. Our plan is to continue on toward Lamid, a town a little further on than Hollowfield.

Son of Zaphkiel: The Balance of Pain and Healing

How does one begin to express the sorrow and disappointment felt for ones self? To whom does one turn to for comfort and solace? The man doesn't know. All he does know is that several people are now dead, and his inaction, or rather his attempt at diplomacy, resulted in more innocent blood being spilled than would otherwise have been. If the man had acted swifter, if he had been more forceful, he could have slain the attackers and defended the Inevitable, her crew and passengers. Even if he could not have saved the ship entirely, he could have at least bought time for the captain to get closer to the ground so their crash wasn't so dramatic.

But no, the man had faltered. He thought he could reason with the attackers, he tried to get the goblin leader to call off the attack, he didn't want to shed blood. Ever since Anya...the thought of blindly jumping into battle has turned his stomach. No, he would not slaughter someone else's loved ones, just because they were in his way, or he in theirs...

And yet, the image of the doctor and the young woman, falling and screaming while the ship above twisted and began to fall, and only having enough time to try and catch one of them. The man went for the doctor. There was no real reason for the one over the other. Any life has value and it's irrelevant debating over whose life were worth more. He should have been able to get there in time, to catch and save the doctor. But the man's timing was off and he arrived in time to see the doctor's terrified, pleading face...before crashing into the ground. A moment later and a second shriek wailed close by followed by a crunch. The young woman. And then the ship struck the earth several hundred feet in front of him. All of the screaming voices were silenced, either drowned out by the crash, or else ended forever.

The man screamed. Fists clenched and teeth bared, he wanted to pound the earth and call down death upon those responsible. But no, that was another day, another time, another man. He was not that man anymore, he didn't want to be that man again, and so he picked himself up and flew with all speed to the wrecked ship.

The man was no healer, not anymore. The only thing he could really do at that moment was search for his ironwood crate. If the creatures within escaped, all would be for naught. And so, ignoring the moans of pain and horror, he pulled piles of rubble apart, looking for tell-tale signs of his crate. Hoping it would be intact. At last he found it. A crack ran down the side, but it looked otherwise functional. He'd have to do something about the crack, make sure it didn't get any worse, but for now it was good to simply know that it wasn't shattered and its contents released. He tapped the crate and the creatures thumped back. They survived. Good.

With his crate under one arm, he joined with the other survivors in helping the wounded. The trolls were found in varying stages of regenerating and so they were carried and thrown onto the burning rubble of the ship. They would terrorize no one else. The corpses of the other passengers and crew from the Inevitable were also given a fiery burial. Tali'a would have approved. It wouldn't do to leave the bodies behind for beast and fiend to have their way with. The man knew all to well what could be done to a corpse that wasn't given a proper burial.

He shuddered. There was no time for that. These people were weak, but they couldn't stay here. They needed to move before more goblins, trolls, or worse, came to the wreckage. The smoke would reach thousands of feet into the sky, acting like a beacon to any who might be interested. There was a nearby town, nothing big, but sufficient to get some basic aid before heading on over the mountains...What they'd find along the way, he could only imagine, and it wouldn't do to lead these people on to their deaths. No, it would be best to strengthen them against the trials ahead.

Varstoka was not the peaceful land it use to be, and so before going even to the small town, the man flew ahead to scout out the town. Destruction and blood. Fires smoldered across the town center and only the large manor on the edges of town seemed to have escaped destruction. Returning to the group, the man took Goban, the plucky gnome who volunteered to come and explore the town in greater detail. Together they found the town center where most of the gore was concentrated. They found an odd symbol written on the wall of one building, and in examining it, were ambushed by foul creatures the likes of which the man had never seen before.

Goban struck them with a fireball and the creatures retreated into the small buildings surrounding the plaze. Not wanting to engage them in close quarters, Goban rained fireballs down on the buildings until they blazed and the creatures were destroyed. One of the remaining buildings was a mercantile, and knowing that they would need gear, he and Goban went in to see if there was anything salvageable. Immediately, a gaping maw wrapped around the man, long spiked tentacles dug into his flesh and dragged him toward the chomping mouth. Still holding Goban, the man told Goban to run for it and let him down before the creature could get Goban as well. Goban, ever the brave one, shot a fireball at the back of the creature but failed to convince it to release the man. And then a second abomination appeared. The man yelled at Goban to run for it, his own life seeping out of him through the many wounds the creature was ripping into him. And then, luck struck. The man wrestled his way free of the creature and flew out of the building, Goban right behind him. Together they flew back up out of the creatures reach and rained more fire upon them. They died and dissolved into nothing more than bits of bone and ooze.

They regrouped with the rest of their companions and reported on the events they faced. Together they decided to go and explore the manor at the edge of town.

The building was empty of inhabitants and looked as though it had been just another day. Beds were unkempt and unfinished meals adorned the rooms, but nothing that bespoke panic or terror. Just the ordinary affects of daily life. The man found a room filled with stacks of parchment, each sheet of which bore the same strange symbol that he and Goban had found painted on the wall in the town center. Strange. He took one of the sheets with him and continued in his search.

Half an hour into the exploration, a young woman was found hiding in the attic. She was half starved and, judging by the hallow look in her eyes, half crazed. They were able to calm her down sufficiently enough to get a basic description of the events in the town, how the famous playwright who lied in the manor was to be performing her newest piece, how the girl had been late in arriving to the performance and came in just in time to see horrible creatures tearing everyone to pieces, how she ran and hid here in the attic.

The man removed the sheet of parchment bearing the symbol on it and asked the girl if it meant anything to her. At once she began screaming and moved to flee from the room and the man's heart ached for her pain and fear, and he hated himself for his foolishness. Of course she wasn't ready to be interrogated for specifics. If Beldre were there, she would have coddled the girl, calmed her, fed her, helped her to heal, and then sought for answers when she was strong. But the man was not Beldre, and he again had caused great harm where there should have been great compassion and healing.

He did what he could for the young woman, holding her until her screams abated. And yet, to the man, it seemed that her silence was worse than her screaming, as though something inside of her had broken in ways that could never be healed. He wept silently for her, whispering his apologies to her, knowing that she would not hear and feeling his heart break for it.

Son Of Zaphkiel: On the Inevitable

   Another day passed, or perhaps it had been two. The man wasn't sure. He hadn't concerned himself with things like dates and calendars for more than a lifetime, an old habit he'd picked up from Tali'a. The thought of Tali'a brought a smile to his face. Of course, she'd  been gone for some time. He wondered what she would think of him now? He hoped she would be proud of him.

   His guests around the table were pleasant. Strange, and sad, in their own ways, but good people. Beldre would be sad she couldn't fawn over the little mute one. He suspected she was older than she looked, but Beldre wouldn't care. She'd find some way to pamper her. The pain in the little one's face was all too apparent and Beldre could never resist such a thing.

   Beldre.

   It was a pity they could only speak infrequently. Still, the ring would  be recharged soon enough and then she could tell him of the children and he could bore her with the details of the air ship. He would never consider admitting to having found a vampire on board. That would only worry her and that was the last thing he wanted. Though, perhaps he didn't give Beldre enough credit. She knew his history, knew what he'd done, what he'd faced. Of course those were centuries ago, when he was a different man, with different strengths...different ideals. If he were honest with himself, he didn't know what the outcome would be if he and the vampire fought. Probably best not to dwell on such things.

   Being this close to Varstoka felt good, though. The scent on the air brought with it his memories of when this land had been his home. And, of course, Anya. The guilt still gnawed at him, and returning to Varstoka only served to sharpen that pain.

   Such was life, though. A never ending series of events that brought joy or pain, and all one could do was determine how much of that pain in the world to cause, and how much joy to share. He'd caused enough pain, he figured, and so had decided to share more joy.

   With any luck, this mission will not only serve to ease his suffering, but also the suffering of those things in Varstoka, no matter their allegiance.

Unlikely Allies

It’s been a week since boarding the Inevitable. I boarded Oukhd 20th, the year being 4268. It’s now Oukhd 26th. Since being on, no ones taken any particular notice of me which is good. Not that I suspect any of them to know of him, but it’s best I stay under the radar right? Just need to get to Varstoka and find others like me, street urchins, to see what news they can scrounge up on Roeslyn. Determined was I to find her. She had become my sister, my child, over the past decade and nothing was going to stop me from finding her... not even him..

Something curious I’ve discovered during my time on this aircraft is I have another shadow. With no one to talk to, I sat and stared at my shadow for hours it would seem. Then a few days ago, on the 23rd, my shadow, well rather a shadow of humanoid shape, came and sat with me. We chatted for a small amount of time, I giving him his name, Ridik. He said he would protect me, that being something I would gladly accept from just about anyone or thing. I instructed him that he’s to watch my back. Anyone coming at me with a weapon or prepared spell, he’s to attack. Anyone who touches me and he can hear how startled I am, he’s to attack. He inclined his head to me seeming to understand my instructions. It felt good to have something that served and listened to my orders again, though Roes wouldn’t approve of that...

As for the present, I sit around a table with many peculiar folk for breakfast. I know I added to the oddness of the group, but for a time we ate in silence. I noticed the large man next to me. He was handsome to say the least with brilliant red hair and eyes that matched my body’s eye color. He was very tall and extremely fit. He also stood out in his generosity in giving food. He would always invite me and those who were hungry to gather around for extra food that was far better than what this airship provided. I suppose I could find myself really liking him, but with this childish body of confusing heritage, that is far from my mind as a possibility. Rather, I enjoy his company and the food he freely gave. He doesn’t have a name, so I call him Giver because how giving he seemed to be.

Next to him was an elf. Handsome too, except for his scowl... his skin was dark and his hair silver. He’s one I’ve kept from just because he seemed too serious.

To the right of the elf was what appeared to be a human. A curious human to say the least. She’s pale, my height of roughly 5’ 3”. Her hair’s long and blond, kept tucked into her cloak. Her eyes are vibrant green and striking to look at.

On her right was an elf. It was curious to see her for she was quite beautiful. Possibly as beautiful as I once was... eh, probably not, but that’s besides the point. She must have come from a well off family for she ate with proper etiquette and had a periapt adorning her fair head. Her cloak was well crafted. There were fine details around the edges and some kind of embroidery on the shoulders. It made her appear quite elegant, even in the armor she wore underneath. If only I could look as lovely as her right now.

Finally, next to her, was a gnome. He was quite short but proportioned. His tan complexion was emphasized against his blonde hair, as though he worked in the sun a lot. His blue eyes also stuck out in contrast to his skin toneI know he’s definitely someone who likes to tinker for I’ve seen him about the ship asking questions and tampering with things. Not sure if he’s looking to destroy something or just naturally curious.

“I just want to say that my name is S-s-s-selina!” the human suddenly bursted out. It was startling for me and had me clutch my pastry to myself as I prepared to hide, “And I love eating a normal hue-man breakfast since I’m obviously a hue-man myself. How lovely to see everyone!” When I said she was curious I meant it as how she appeared. Now I have to wonder if she’s insane. Perhaps I should continue to steer clear of her.

“Why hello Selina,” Giver responded cheerfully with his thick Varstokan accent. Now that I think about it, I should have chatted with him about why he’s going to Varstoka. In fact, as everyone began to chat, Giver explaining to the group how I am mute when they noticed my refusal to talk, I figured I could at least write down a question that would be equally intriguing to know: Why are they going to Varstoka?

Knowing we were to land in Boradein, my home where he lived, I was terrified at first. Still am actually, but Roes must have been taken there and he may possibly have her, using her to get to me... if somehow he knew of our friendship. Well, I already want to seek revenge on him. Dunno if I should kill or humiliate him and tear down his empire of power.. but what if those are false desires the poison was convincing me of? No, I will bring him down for he deserves the pain I’ve gone through, the pain he’s let the soul of this body go through, the pain of keeping Dævri from me.

Possibly, I could help these folk and in turn get their assistance back. Maybe blackmail them if I need to- no. I will get their help willingly. I need allies, not enemies.

I scribbled on my slate with my chalk and held up my question for everyone to see. Giver was quick to answer.

“Oh well you see, I have this box,” he taps the box he’s sitting on. It is well crafted, almost like one of the mahogany chests that stored the finer items in my rooms. In fact I began to reminisce once more on all the fine items I had long ago and how I still missed them after all these years. I came back around and only caught that... Giver was returning the creature to Varstoka? Some thing about to prevent it from being used for evil I think... well whatever it was I tried asking him about who it was he was returning it to. He wouldn’t give details, but it didn’t sound like it was going to someone in Boradein, though maybe the creature could provide service for me against a certain someone...

Everyone was fairly caught up on Giver’s monster in a box that my question from earlier was forgotten. I placed my fork and knife down, for a moment finding it kind of surprising I had used them, but old habits die hard and having someone else emulate those behaviors is contagious. I then went up to the deck of the aircraft to get some fresh air.

Immediately I made myself comfortable, pressing my back up against a crate. I looked around at the few beings I could see while listening to the sounds of air and muffled bickering going on somewhere. To my left I could see a man holding an umbrella. Curious why he would do that since the sun was shining. Both of the elves, the human and Giver had surfaced, going toward the bow of the ship.

Time passed as I thought about once more how I would be able to get any of these people on board to help me. Why would they help me? Why would they listen to me? Half the time I’m confused for being 15. I had to be at least 20 in this body. I hated being treated like a kid. And having to write everything down, people got impatient with me. If only they could understand how hard I worked to be able to read and write! I hugged my knees and rested my head on my arms.

The lovely female elf approached me. It made me nervous. Why would she be approaching me? I hadn’t done anything other than keep out of everyone’s way. But as I looked at her approach, she seemed hesitant herself... why?

She held out her hand. I looked at her confused. She then tapped my slate and motioned to write. Oh bother, does this elf think I’m deaf too?

You need something? I wrote, hoping she’d just say what it was she needed to say. Again she motioned for my slate and chalk. I reluctantly passed it over feeling a bit irritated.

Yes... I hate to bother you... but the other elf that sat with us at breakfast, where’s he from?

Beats me. I suppose the continent we just left? Why?

I’d ask him myself... but he could possibly be someone I’m trying to get away from. I don’t want him to know who I am until I know he’s not from my country.

Ah, so you’re on the run too.

The elf looks at me with a bit of surprise. I would assume how I looked it would seem a likely scenario, but it was pleasant to see she held no bias toward me, especially from my looks.

You too? I’ve nearly been caught a few times. This trip has actually been least eventful which worries me. Alas, this is the only ship going to Varstoka and that makes me hopeful.

Hopeful for what? A better life- I suppose for those who aren’t me that’s a possibility, though knowing the power he has... I can’t wait to leave Varstoka once I’ve found Roes. However, I could relate to this elf. Being caught by those you’re trying to escape from is no fun... perhaps she is one who I could trust. Apparently she has trusted me to not be someone looking for her. I suppose if she knew who I really was she’d trust me less. I felt I could then trust her and reveal my gift Roes and I had discovered years ago. I reached out and took her hand, leaving the slate in her lap.

“No fun getting caught is it?” I began. The elf’s eyes grew some. I’m sure my less than child like voice was surprising to her too, “You don’t have to tell me the reason you’re on the run. Mine isn't from the law so you know. Suppose I find out for you if that elf knows you... could you help me in return?” I asked her, “Oh and the name’s Zeira.”

Cool trick. My name’s Neep. That would be great if you could!

With that I took my slate and chalk and stood up. I looked to my right and saw the man elf. There were some butterflies about approaching him, I feeling unworthy of starting a conversation with him let alone would he be as stern as he looked? Never mind that, I told myself, An ally was in the making, what had I to lose?

I wrote on my slate the question I had written at breakfast: Why are you going to Varstoka? I then marched over to the elf. When I reached him I tapped his shoulder to get his attention. He turned and seemed surprised to find me there. I held my slate out to him. He read it and looked at me.

“Well, I’m headed to go aid a long lost friend,” he replied. I was almost surprised at how easily he gave his answer. He said it warmly and fatter of fact like.

I’m doing something similar. My friend had been kidnapped. Suppose I helped you, would you be interested in helping me find my friend?

The elf read my words before answering, “Yes. Absolutely. Do you know where to start?”

Not a clue. My current plan is to network with the street urchins of Boradein and see what they can scrounge up. I’ll let you know later when I have a more solid idea. I show him what I wrote before erasing and adding, In the mean time I’ll do what I can to help you until I have a plan. By the way, the name is Zeira.

“Nice to meet you Zeira. My name is Thessadin. We shall keep in touch. Oh I suppose I could ask the elves in the woods I’m headed to about your friend if you’d like?”

I gave a nod. I then I walked away from Thessadin. How kind of him to be so willing to help me. How unexpected it was that he patiently waited for me to write my responses.  Maybe I did have some appeal and charms left after all these years.

Neep was easy to spot out. I approached her and grabbed her hand. She didn’t seem too surprised by my bold move.

“I think you’re safe. He’s going to aid a long lost friend,” I told her. She took my slate and chalk and wrote on it.

You didn’t hear the word Silvanesti, correct?

“Nope. People you’re on the run from?” I asked. The name was vaguely familiar. They could very well be people I’ve met a decade ago.

It’s a faction of elves in Krynn that would be looking for me... anyone who is associated with them as a full blooded elf would be on the search for me.

I gave her an appraising look. Nope, I hadn’t a clue who she was, but she was very interesting and I liked the mystery. I’m sure whatever the reason, she’s the innocent party like myself.

“Interesting. Anyways, I’m looking for my friend, Roes, who got kidnapped. Don’t know-” I kept going on before I realized the magic was gone and a look from Neep suggested I wasn’t communicating any more. I took the slate back, erased what she wrote and began where I left off.

I don’t know where she is, but I’ll be networking with other street urchins to see if they have seen her or could help find her once we get to Boradein. I let her read it before erasing my note and writing more, If you could just help by being an extra person in case we run into a scuffle, that’d be very helpful.

Neep read my note and nodded. She took the slate and chalk and began to write her response.

I would be very helpful in that aspect. I have many tricks up my sleeve. I also have a dog familiar who’s in the cargo currently. I’ll do my best to help find your friend. Erases what she wrote. Thanks for helping me. I think I’m safe for now. Should we try and find others?

I nod my answer. As I walk away, I noticed the man with the umbrella still near by. He seemed odd, but I figured I might as well ask him too.

His name is Vladimir Dragulia. He was quite chivalrous. Apparently he’s headed back to Varstoka for a more permanent home in Boradein. I mused about the idea of offering him a certain home of some undeserving man. I hinted at this home, in case he had no qualms taking a home from a vile person, but he gave no vibe of wanting to take a home by force. So instead we arranged to meet up at a later time in his home town near the Crystal Peaks. By that time either I’ll have found a home he’d enjoy, suited for a man of his stature, or I’ll have figured out how to convince him to take my home for himself.

Before leaving, Vladimir gave a grand bow and held out his hand. I instinctively placed my hand in it to which he kissed it. It was very gentlemanly about him. How curious he would extend such manners to me. I enjoyed the warmth in my cheeks that came from it. It had been a long time since a formal gesture like that has been made to me.

I then went and sat down in front of another crate. There was some giddiness in me for being treated so chivalrously. Alas, let not my emotions get carried away. There is no time for romance. Definitely not with the looks I’m presenting right now.

Other than writing this, I made a to do list in my journal:

-Help Thessadin aid friend

-Find Roes

-Dinner party with Vladmir Dragulia

-Get my revenge

If I could accomplish the first two, life would be blissful once more... or so I anticipated. Vladmir could be very strategic in gaining my revenge, but we’ll see if I can manipulate him to do so..

As I finished writing my to do list, I placed my journal and pen back in my haversack. Just as I was thinking about getting up, the curious human, Selina, walked up to me.

“Hello! I hear you’re looking for someone and was curious who might this someone be? They aren’t by chance pocket sized are they? ‘Cuz that’s pretty small,” she enthusiastically asked.

No, I wrote out while giving her a quizzical look.

“Good!” Selena exclaimed. It was a bit unnerving how enthusiastic she seemed. Then again, I shouldn’t complain, she was willing to help my cause from the sounds of it... may she be competent enough to follow orders and not give me away...

The person I’m looking for is about my height and her name is Roes. I wrote out, feeling I should give her more details since she was asking about who I was looking for. I don’t know who has her or exactly where she is, but that’s something I hope to figure out in Boradein.

Selena nods to confirm she got the message. “Well then, I’m going to go off and enjoy the BE-U-Tiful day like all hue-mans do,” and she walked away leaving me alone by the crate.

No sooner had Selina walked away, the aircraft took a sharp turn, nearly knocking me off my feet. Some kind of contraption appeared very close to the ship. Why were we so close to one? As I thought that, two loud thuds were heard and on the bow was a troll, a large troll! From far behind me I heard someone giving off orders poorly. They couldn’t make up their mind. Never the less, I knew it was time to hide. I stood in the shadow of the crate and hid. No one seemed to notice my sudden disappearance. I could feel Ridik hover near by keeping watch with me. 

As I kept still, not daring to move, I saw Neep a ways off. She looked behind her and right at me. My heart skip as she walked toward me. My eyes grew wide worried she was about to give me away. She, clearly seeing me, held her hand out slightly as though to signal me to calm down while looking away at something else.. She came with in five feet of me before turning her back on me. A sigh of relief swept through me. She was actually going to protect me? I suppose I truly had an ally.