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Reclaiming (Maiyn) - Chapter 27


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#1 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 07 November 2006 - 12:58 PM

Genies and Druids

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Coran, Valygar, Aerie and Nalia met Mazzy outside the office of the town's High Merchant early the following morning. Coran had declined the invitation to stay with Mazzy's family, feeling slightly awkward about descending upon the home of a halfling he'd only just met. Instead, they'd walked slowly to the local tavern, finding the welcome to be rather cold. They'd huddled together in a corner table, trying to ignore the suspicious stares thrown at them by the other patrons before retiring to bed fairly early.

Mazzy led them into the affluent appearing building, rich tapestries adorning the walls, vases and flowers decorating the brightly painted rooms. Coran briefly thought back to the Iron Throne Citadel in Baldur's Gate; there seemed to be a pattern developing, buildings associated with merchants and trade displaying wealth prominently, and having the finest decor possible. He shook the thought away quickly, however, before his Maiyn related melancholy could return.

Lord Coprith was a tall, muscled man. He wore a pleasant smile, but his face was creased with lines of worry that mingled with old battle-scars, and his rich-looking clothing was crumpled and dishevelled after too many sleepless nights. Coran could see armour lurking beneath the brightly coloured ceremonial dress, and an overly jewelled belt couldn't hide the well-worn handle of the hilt that remained sheathed in its scabbard. He was warmer than the other townsfolk the group had met, but Mazzy's presence had at least caused the unfriendly stares to lessen as the locals recognised their very own hero travelling with the strangers.

"Hail, good people," said Lord Coprith tiredly. "I welcome you to Trademeet, and I thank you for agreeing to come and see me."

"You are most welcome," said Coran genially. "I was concerned about the reception we would receive from yourself, considering the reaction of your people to our presence."

"Ah, mind not the worried stares of our citizens while you are here; strangers are not easily trusted these days," explained the High Merchant as he sat back down in an ornate chair behind a large mahogany desk. "Yours are decent faces, however, and I trust you can offer us assistance at a grave time. My name, as you will know, is Lord Logan Coprith, and I am the High Merchant of this place.

“May I ask why you are High Merchant?" asked Coran bluntly. "You look more used to battle than finances.”

The human smiled ruefully. "I spent much of my career in the military, but other duties called me here. My family was influential and it fell to them to provide a mayor for Trademeet. Perhaps finances are not my best skill, but the guard has benefited from my discipline and I have improved security; there is only so much that can be done, however.”

"What is the problem here?" asked Valygar quietly. "We have witnessed for ourselves the animal problems you suffer from, but we cannot understand what has caused this to be."

"I will explain it all," nodded Logan. He took a deep breath before he continued. "Trademeet has been here for generations, but now we are harassed from the strangest of sources. It has been a very difficult time for the local merchants, as the very land seems to be against us. Creatures attack, and even the foliage strangles! It began subtle, but now we suspect a dark mind behind it, although we still remain uncertain as to where the cause lies."

"But you suspect something or someone?" asked Nalia.

"Until recently we did not know where to place blame," he replied hesitantly. "But now the people have found a target; the last group that were attacked as they left the town saw several figures directing the chaos. They insist they were druids, belonging to a group that has long been peaceful. The people apparently captured one, and had I not locked him up they would have quartered him in the street.”

“That's terrible!" exclaimed Aerie. "Has he confessed to any of this?"

“No." The merchant sighed. "This is my dilemma; he claims he is here to investigate the druids, and I believe him. Unfortunately, many of our citizens already believe him guilty. Nothing less than a public burning will satisfy an angry mob. This druid remains behind bars as much for his own protection as anything else."

Coran nodded. "What is it you wish of us in this regard?"

"I would have you escort him to his task," said Logan quietly. "I would seem to be collaborating if my men or I were to help him, and alone he may not make it out of town. He, however, may be the only chance we have of uncovering what has been happening, and his knowledge of the ways of the druids may prove invaluable to an investigation. Will you help?”

Coran nodded. “We will speak with him and see if we can provide assistance. If there is anything we can do, we will do it.”
Lord Coprith smiled with relief. "I thank you for this. I will ensure the guard allows you to pass so that you may speak with him, and escort him from the cells. He may leave, under the promise of your care; keep me apprised of the situation if you can.”

The High Merchant led them back out through the entrance hall, and down a set of steep stairs that led to the dark prison below. He muttered a few words to the guard before smiling to them, and bidding them a good day, and the guard nodded briefly as he let them past his post. Finding the druid wasn't difficult; there were no other prisoners within the jail, and the door to his cell was open. He stood to greet the strangers.

"Hello to you,” he said, his eyes drifting over each of the people present. They seemed to light up slightly as he regarded Valygar, almost as if he could recognise the kin of a forest dweller. “I am Cernd, though my identity is surely no secret after the fuss I have caused here. You look pleasant enough; are you friends of that charming Lord Coprith? I’ve made very few friends among the merchants, so I doubt you would count yourselves amongst their number."

Coran grinned. "Lord Coprith sent us to work with you, if you would agree to it," he explained. "He has told us of the rumours regarding the druid involvement in the town's current troubles, but before we go anywhere I would like to know something."

"What is that?" asked Cernd amiably.

"Why are you here, and what are you doing in the town?"

The druid smiled. "Coprith chose well: caution will win the day! I was here to gather information -- I will endeavour to share with you what I know, but I did not have long to gather. I was sent from the north to investigate why the druid order of this region has severed its ties with the traditional hierarchy. I found out about the attacks; and although it is not unheard of for a grove to lose links to the hierophants, to do so when there is a suggestion of unnatural behaviour is worrying to say the least.”

"Do you have any idea what has happened to the druids?" asked Mazzy.

“I know many druids in this region, and they would not support such actions without due cause," replied Cernd thoughtfully. "I suspect that there has been a change in their leadership. Now, it is the duty of any druid to find this new leader and ascertain if this is for the best of nature. The attacks on the merchants, alone, only serve to alarm me, and imply there is a beginning of evil here."

Coran nodded. "Then I believe it is the grove that shall require investigation."

"I might succeed alone," said Cernd quietly. "But I would much rather have the backing of a group, one that will also benefit from my service. Are you up for the task?”

"We will do whatever we can to help," smiled Coran warmly. "But I would advise that we leave town immediately when we step outside this building; the locals are distrustful enough, and it would probably be wise for us to not linger overly long in their presence.”

"I agree," said Cernd uncomfortably. "Perhaps if we can solve their problem, we can bring back the warmth and welcoming grace that once was held in such high regard in this settlement."

"The people should return as they once were when the threat to their living has been removed," nodded Mazzy as they climbed the stairs, heading back through the high-ceilinged hall towards the main entrance. "It is unlike my friends and neighbours to show such wanton mistrust in those who have arrive seeking to help them from this situation."

Coran paused for a moment as the others strode down the hall, adjusting a few of the items in his pack. When he was happier with the distribution of weight, he slung it back over his shoulders and moved on. A brief moment where his concentration was more on his balance than his bearings meant that he collided heavily with a lithe woman who appeared from one of the side rooms, and the force of his movements seemed sure to knock her to the ground. It was only his reflexes and nimbleness that allowed him to reach out and grab her, aiding her fight to stay on her feet. When he was sure she would be fine, he removed his hands and took a small step back away from her as she glared at him.

"Who are you?" she snapped, irritably. Coran resisted the urge to flash a smile, sensing immediately that it would have little effect.

"I am Coran," he said instead. "We were-"

"You were not looking where you were going," she interrupted bluntly. The elf couldn't help but smile at her outraged expression, and slowly her scowl softened. Her hair hung past her shoulders in two long braids, a golden colour that contrasted pleasantly with the deep blue material that made her tunic and skirt. A clutch of papers were in her hand and as her gaze drifted down to them she drew herself up, and regained her busy air.

"It was… pleasant meeting you; though I am surprised strangers managed to even get into the town. You must excuse me -- I have things to do."

"Wait!" called Coran as she started walking off. She paused hesitantly, then turned back to look at him, an eyebrow raised curiously.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"My name?" She looked surprised. "You stopped me to ask that? Very well... I am Guildmistress Busya, leader of the merchant’s guild of this town. I assume you know this is the merchant's guild?"

"I didn't, no," admitted the elf with a grin. "We were here to see Lord Coprith regarding the problems you have been having with the creatures."

"Ah," she said, nodding slightly. "Well I am glad you're not just here seeking to take advantage of our excellent markets, because you would be sorely disappointed to learn that there is nothing here to purchase. Between those druids and... well, our other problems, we have little trade happening within our walls."

Coran frowned slightly. "What other problems?" he asked quietly as he walked closer to her. Her scowl had completely faded, and she quickly looked away from his gaze as he approached, preferring instead to study one of the walls intently. "I am sure it is nothing to concern yourself with. As it is, the cessation of trade in the town has led to my position and place here becoming rather pointless. If it is not resolved soon I shall require to leave here, and seek employment elsewhere." A small sigh escaped from her, and the final remnants of her bluster and fire faded.

"We have already agreed to look into the druid problem," said Coran gently. "Tell me, what other ill affects the town so much that no trade can take place? I cannot promise to achieve anything, but I can give you my word that I will attempt it."

She looked back to him, holding his gaze for several moments. Finally she nodded, and spoke. "Most trade caravans shall not come to Trademeet while we suffer from the attacks. The few that do, are finding that their goods will be bought by a Dao djinn that has set up a tent outside the town. He will purchase their stock for more than it is worth, and charge exorbitant prices in return when we seek to buy the items from him. Everything there is to sell, he now owns."

"Is there nothing you can do about this djinn?" asked Coran.

The guildmistress snorted. "Until these animal attacks cease, there is no point." She gave him one final look, the steely gaze having returned to her demeanour. "If you are truly serious about helping, come and talk to me once that business has ended."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode off, disappearing into another side room, the door being slammed closed behind her. Coran watched until she was out of sight, then quickly jogged through the hall to catch up with his companions. They were standing by the entrance, waiting for him. Nalia gave him a strange look as he apologised for his delay, and he explained the encounter he'd had.

"Let us visit this djinn as we leave the city," he smiled, welcoming the agreeing nods that came from everyone except Nalia. The young thief merely turned and left the building, leading the way to the southern gate, where several tents could be seen rippling gently in the breeze that coursed through the air. Coran looked at her with puzzlement, then followed after them.

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“Greetings to you, wayfarer!" boomed the genie. "I am Khan Zahraa of Calimshan, a Dao djinn, at your service!”

Coran stared without meaning to. He wasn't sure he'd even been this close to a genie before, without it trying to set him on fire in one way or another. The djinn apparently liked his comforts; sumptuous silks and plush cushions were scattered around to make him a nest in which to sit, while other smaller figures bustled about in the large tent, seeing to his every need. A gaudy red turban adorned his head, covering his hair, and two large golden earrings hung from each ear. His beard was black and bushy, but it looked well trimmed and immaculately groomed. Crimson robes hung around his form as he sat, cross-legged, his arms folded across his chest, hands meeting at the fingertips as he regarded his visitors with curiosity.

“Excuse my ignorance," managed Coran eventually. "But what is a Dao djinn?"

The genie laughed. "The clans of djinn are beyond the ken of most mortals, this I understand. It is a complicated thing, manling. Suffice it to say that I am a djinn of the family Dao, yes?”

"Ah, I see," nodded Coran slowly.

"What are Calishite genies doing here in Trademeet?” asked Mazzy sternly. She was glaring around at the set-up, obviously displeased by the presence of the creatures.

“Yes, this does beg a question, mortal, does it not?" asked Khan Zahraa, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he regarded the halfling. "The Dao would not normally choose to make such a place our home, even temporarily, indeed. Suffice it to say that we have come on a service, hunting a criminal of some repute from Calimshan... a rakshasa by the name of Ihtafeer."

"Rakshasa?" asked Aerie with wide-eyes. "I-I have heard of such creatures, but I know little of them."

"They are devious shapeshifters and thieves," rumbled the genie. "We have followed this particular prey for quite some months now, and she has eluded us at every turn; we have grown tired of this chase. We know that Ihtafeer lies hiding in this area in mortal form, and so the Dao have taken over the trade of the area. We Dao buy all that comes here, you see, and charge prices too high for the mortals to afford... and we will not relinquish it until the mortals find this rakshasa for us."

"But what if they cannot find it?" asked Nalia indignantly.

"Eventually, they shall run out of their food and such," replied Zahraa casually. "Then they will become desperate enough to ensure they find her. Or not. Regardless, the hunt is less taxing and far more amusing this way, don’t you agree?”

“You have monopolised the trade of this town!" exclaimed Mazzy angrily. "No, I don’t think that’s amusing at all!”

"I have to agree with my small friend," remarked Coran. "Your actions here are evil and manipulative."

“That is a very precocious statement, for a mortal," chuckled the djinn. "What do you intend to do about it, then? How do you intend to dissuade us from this activity?"

Coran spoke before Mazzy was able to shout her murderous intentions. “What would you say if we found this rakshasa for you?” asked the elf. Mazzy froze, and looked at him incredulously.

“I would say, mortal, that I wish the head of this rakshasa returned to me..." mused Zahraa thoughtfully. "And once that was done, despite the amusements we have found here, the Dao would return to Calimshan.” Coran nodded slowly.

“Do you have any idea where this rakshasa might be?” asked Valygar, from somewhere behind the elf.

"If we knew where she was we would go and collect her, yes? As a shapechanger, I am sure she hides in the form of yet another tiresome mortal. It is a tactic her kind use often. It is doubtful that she and her companions actually reside in the town, itself; the appetites and predilections of the rakshasa would not keep her hidden among you for very long. But we are sure she is somewhere in the area. Perhaps hidden and preying secretly upon you mortals, as the rakshasa do. But who knows, really? She could be anywhere.”

Coran sighed. “Very well. We will attempt to find this rakshasa and bring her head back to you.”

The genie beamed happily to him. “Ah, this is a good thing! The Dao wish you well on your hunt, then, and await eagerly the sight of Ihtafeer’s head!”

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The group were led by Cernd as he walked through the forest, heading towards the druid grove. It was further than Coran had expected, but he berated himself for being stupid enough to think that nature loving druids would settle anywhere even remotely close to civilisation.

Valygar made the mistake of bringing up the topic of magic in a conversation with Nalia and Aerie; a topic they knew he felt very strongly about. He seemed insistent on the evil effects of the art, but he listened patiently to both of the girls when they spoke of using their magic to achieve good things, and he was unable to argue with them when they pointed out what they had done to date. He remained fully unconvinced, however, and drifted away from them to make sense of his thoughts, until he could find the flaws in their arguments.

Mazzy was quiet for most of the journey. After leaving the tent, she'd erupted into an angry tirade at Coran, stating her dismay at his working for such evil beasts, stating her principles when it came to dealing with such matters. Coran patiently listened to her as she shouted, realising that the djinn, at least, would be entertained. He wondered how Mazzy would have reacted had she met them while Korgan was still travelling with them, then winced visibly as he imagined the possible scenarios.

The halfling mistook his cringe for humbleness over his actions, and she proclaimed that she forgave him his transgression on this occasion, and she would help him find the rakshasa in order to aid her town. Then she'd strode off after the druid, who had already began making his into the forest, as Coran watched her with a look of amazement. Valygar caught his eye and just grinned, the ranger following Aerie and Nalia as the two inseparable girls also began following the druid's lead. Eventually Coran collected himself well enough to bring up the rear, completely bemused by all that had happened.

Eventually Cernd halted, and the companions gathered around him as he crouched down beside a large hawthorn bush.

"The grove is not far from here," he explained. "I can feel hostility in the air; we must be prepared to face resistance, and be wary of the creatures inhabiting this area."

The others nodded, and the druid resumed his lead, winding his way along the darkening path in the forest. The sun was falling low, and visibility was becoming poor. Nalia conjured a small globe of light to follow Cernd as he advanced, providing a muted light to repel the shadows that were growing larger as they walked. A sudden crash to their right caused them all to start, and two figures came lumbering through the trees, approaching the group with apparent hostility.

"Trolls!" hissed Mazzy, slicing at the nearest one with her sword. They were taken down quickly, though Aerie was shaking from the surprise and required a few moments to compose herself. They encountered more and more of them as they went on, as well as small sets of savage animals, ranging from a small pack of wolves, to a group of giant spiders.

The spiders had proven to be the biggest problem. Most of them were dispatched easily, but the larger one in their group had faded in and out of reality, suddenly appearing at the side of the weaker party members. It would melt from view before Coran's strikes made contact, only to pop up beside Aerie or Nalia, taking the chance to gain a vicious bite before disappearing once again.

Eventually it was brought down too, and the healing powers of Aerie and Cernd were distributed to remove the poison that plagued the party, preparing them for heading further into the forest. The druid continued to lead, almost silently as his feet fell softly on the forest floor. It wasn't long before they came across the first of the druids. A group of four were engaged in a battle with some trolls, and the companions aided them in their fight only to have the druids turn on them in their victory. They fought only briefly, ceasing their hostility abruptly and explaining they had only fought to satisfy the command of their new leader, a woman named Faldorn.

Cernd questioned them further, and reluctantly the druids spoke of her Shadow Druid beliefs. The human frowned as they spoke, then allowed them to return to the woods, commending them on their intention to return to preserving the balance, forsaking the grove until the taint of Faldorn was removed. The human turned to Coran and sighed -- he suddenly looked weary and tired.

"It is as I feared," he admitted. "Shadow Druid violence is a disgrace to nature, and now that they have a hand in this area they will not stop their advance. Do you know of them?"

Coran shook his head.

"They have forsaken balance in favour of militant action," explained Cernd quietly. "They believe they follow the Earthmother, but blood is not fitting tribute. This must be stopped before forces from Trademeet seek revenge; the toll on the wood and the people alike will be horrendous."

"What can we do to alter this?" asked the elf. "Surely you don't propose to eliminate an entire grove of druids?"

Cernd laughed softly. "Not exactly, no. We must issue a challenge on behalf of the virtuous. Unfortunately, only one attuned with the ways of the druids will be able to face her."

Coran grinned. "I hope you are as good with your staff as you are with your words," he remarked.

"So do I," observed Cernd with a twinkle in his eye. "It is doubtful she will leave the sanctity of the druid grove, and if she has surrounded herself with its protective magics she will be nearly invulnerable. Such dark rituals are frowned upon, but Shadow Druids stop at nothing.”

"Then lead on, and we will do what we must to bring about the end of this affront to nature." Cernd regarded Coran curiously, and the elf couldn't help but laugh merrily. "I apologise," Coran said, "I borrowed a phrase I heard on more than one occasion, from a druid I travelled extensively with not many months ago."

Cernd shared his mirth. "I should be glad the druid had such an effect on you," he remarked dryly as he walked on. "For if you were so quick to pick up the words, I wonder if you could be worn down to pick up the actions also..." Coran only rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

-----------------------

Only a few more druids faced them as they approached the cavern that homed the druids of the grove. They were defeated easily, the group being quick to bring down the potentially dangerous foes. Only those completely loyal to Faldorn were willing to die for her; many more retreated, wishing the companions luck on their mission, relieved when they saw Cernd's presence amongst them.

It was as they grouped together, looking ahead at the pillars that stood to either side of the cave entrance, that the myconids struck. They became aware of something being not quite right when Aerie suddenly leapt around to face Valygar, and smashed him in the face with her staff. The ranger crumpled to the ground in a dazed shock, blood pouring from a gash on the side of his head. Coran immediately sprang forward to try and restrain the glazed-eyed avariel as the others looked on in a stunned silence.

"Enemies!" yelled Mazzy suddenly, pointing to the forms of several large figures that looked like humanoids with mushrooms for heads. She instantly readied her bow, raining down shots on them as Nalia joined in, leaving Cernd alone to venture forward in combat.

The druid seemed hesitant to approach, but Coran couldn't blame him -- arrows were flying past him, the two women shooting furiously at the creatures, and several of them appeared to pass rather too close to Cernd for his own comfort. Then, without a word of warning, his skin rippled and seemed to break apart; Nalia stopped her shooting in amazement, but Mazzy's full attention was on defeating an enemy in the other direction, and she remained blissfully unaware of the transformation the druid was undergoing. Brown hair soon covered Cernd's frame, and vicious claws reached out from his hands as he sprinted forward, tearing into the myconids ferociously. In no time at all, they all lay dead, and the werewolf calmly rippled back into the more recognisable form of the human. Nalia just stared at him.

“Oh, Valygar!" cried Mazzy, rushing to the ranger's side. He'd come around slightly, and the halfling was still completely oblivious to Cernd shapechanging. "You’ve been wounded!”

Valygar managed a weak smile. "“Tis but a flesh wound, Mistress Mazzy,” he replied.

“To the contrary, it is a serious wound indeed,” she disagreed sternly, examining the injury with great care and attention. "We must attend to it immediately.”

"You are very kind, Mazzy," replied the ranger uncomfortably.

“Truly, I should never have allowed you into harm’s way," muttered the halfling, almost to herself. "Worry not, friend Valygar, we shall have you healed in no time.” With that, she whipped out a poultice from her pack, and proceeded to patch up his wound.

“I am flattered by your concern, and I thank you. We shall watch over each other, for that is truly the task of friends.”

“I am honour-bound to protect you, Squire Valygar,” said Mazzy seriously, ignoring his confused look. “I will not be derelict in that duty again.” She packed her healing items away and stood back up, wandering over to check that Aerie was uninjured after her small spell of confusion.

Coran just watched her as she passed him, then looked at Valygar. The two exchanged incredulous looks.

"You're her squire?"

Valygar just blinked. "I... Did I miss something while I was dazed?"

"I don't think so," grinned Coran, holding out his hand and hoisting the human to his feet. "It just appears as though you have caught Mistress Mazzy's eye!"

Valygar groaned, but said nothing, and one by one, everyone's attention fell to Cernd. All were curious regarding the transformation they'd witnessed, except for Mazzy and Aerie, who had otherwise been preoccupied at the time; they were now just waiting for him to carry on with his lead. He offered them all a warm smile as he wandered past, heading to the cave, and the others followed him wordlessly.

-----------------------

Faldorn was not happy that the group of adventurers had managed to reach her grove, and she spat angrily at them, threatening them as they stood before her. Eventually Cernd demanded to face her in duel, and she drew back slightly, surprised that he would attempt such a daring move. Her arrogance would be her downfall however, as she accepted his challenge and met him in the predetermined ring. She had severely underestimated his power, however; as Coran had, he realised, watching the competition with interest.

Faldorn had proclaimed she was stronger due to her ties to the earth, but this didn't seem to matter at all. One hand movement from Cernd brought forth a stream of insects that swarmed over the Shadow Druid, nipping and biting at her, distracting her from her own conjuration. Another murmur from the human brought a flaming mass into existence, and the fire elemental immediately went to attack the woman as Cernd himself once more changed into the form of a werewolf, which only hastened Faldorn's demise.

Mazzy's gasp and look of horror was plain for all to see, and the halfling was uncharacteristically quiet as the druid regained his human form after the fight had been won. Cernd seemed not to notice, instead approaching the druidic overseer who had witnessed the duel. They conversed briefly, then Cernd nodded and smiled before returning to Coran and his companions.

"The scourge has been purged,” he said calmly to them. “The deed is done, and even now the land sighs with relief. This has been a great service to nature, and she shall not forget. Now to repair the land after the ritual that Faldorn performed. Her magics were at great cost; her loss will cause the land to suffer immeasurably until it can recover."

"With time it will return to strength," noted Valygar gently. "With the druids to care for it under a strong and balanced guidance, nature will flourish once more."

Cernd nodded his agreement. "I must thank you for your help. Verthan, here, will serve as challenge master and Great Druid until all the healing is done. I intend to stay with him, overseeing the process so I can report back fully to my people in the north. His reverence for the land will not allow him to be corrupted, and together we can right the wrongs inflicted upon this area. When the scars are healed things will be as they were…or very nearly.”

"We wish you well in your efforts," said Coran sincerely, smiling to the druid. "We will bring back your news to Lord Coprith upon our return to the town."

"You can also give him my regards, and my thanks," smiled Cernd. "But for now, rest here until the morning. It is the least we can offer, for your assistance in aiding me to reach here. We will show you what proper druid hospitality is like, and you will remember it for a long time!"

#2 Guest_Keldan_*

Posted 09 November 2006 - 11:29 PM

“Oh, Valygar!" cried Mazzy, rushing to the ranger's side. He'd come around slightly, and the halfling was still completely oblivious to Cernd shapechanging. "You’ve been wounded!”

Valygar managed a weak smile. "“Tis but a flesh wound, Mistress Mazzy,” he replied.

“To the contrary, it is a serious wound indeed,” she disagreed sternly, examining the injury with great care and attention. "We must attend to it immediately.”

"You are very kind, Mazzy," replied the ranger uncomfortably.

“Truly, I should never have allowed you into harm’s way," muttered the halfling, almost to herself. "Worry not, friend Valygar, we shall have you healed in no time.” With that, she whipped out a poultice from her pack, and proceeded to patch up his wound.

“I am flattered by your concern, and I thank you. We shall watch over each other, for that is truly the task of friends.”

“I am honour-bound to protect you, Squire Valygar,” said Mazzy seriously, ignoring his confused look. “I will not be derelict in that duty again.” She packed her healing items away and stood back up, wandering over to check that Aerie was uninjured after her small spell of confusion.

Coran just watched her as she passed him, then looked at Valygar. The two exchanged incredulous looks.

"You're her squire?"

Valygar just blinked. "I... Did I miss something while I was dazed?"

"I don't think so," grinned Coran, holding out his hand and hoisting the human to his feet. "It just appears as though you have caught Mistress Mazzy's eye!"

Valygar groaned, but said nothing, and one by one, everyone's attention fell to Cernd. All were curious regarding the transformation they'd witnessed, except for Mazzy and Aerie, who had otherwise been preoccupied at the time; they were now just waiting for him to carry on with his lead. He offered them all a warm smile as he wandered past, heading to the cave, and the others followed him wordlessly.


:) :) :roll:

Great chapter as usual, but that just... cracked me up. Poor, clueless Valygar... getting picked up by Mazzy. And without any sleazy chat-up lines! :roll:

#3 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 10 November 2006 - 04:22 PM

:) :) :roll:


Great chapter as usual, but that just... cracked me up. Poor, clueless Valygar... getting picked up by Mazzy. And without any sleazy chat-up lines! :)


Hee -- she has Plans for him :)

Thanks for reading and commenting :roll:

#4 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 13 November 2006 - 06:01 PM

I like your Cernd; he seems very balanced (so to speak) and in control of the situation he is in. In short, he actually seems like a druid that'd be sent to deal with this particular problem :)

#5 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 13 November 2006 - 06:35 PM

I like your Cernd; he seems very balanced (so to speak) and in control of the situation he is in. In short, he actually seems like a druid that'd be sent to deal with this particular problem :)


Cernd isn't around for long -- I wanted him to be, but he and I don't understand each other enough (yet) for him to feature heavily in my works. He's underused, but a bit bland in game -- makes him have plenty of potential though for the crerative writer I guess :)

Thanks for reading and commenting :)




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