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Reclaiming (Maiyn) - Chapter 31


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#1 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 18 November 2006 - 10:17 AM

I didn't mean to post quite so soon, but when I realised that this chapter was next, I couldn't help myself...


An Unlikely Alliance

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

Imnesvale was a quiet place, nestled into a valley in the Umar Hills. After the Shade Lord had been defeated, life returned to normal for the inhabitants; the farmers returned to their holdings on the outskirts of the settlement, and the few people who lived in the homes in the actual village were soon back to their cheerful, country ways.

The only thing that seemed to have changed was the local mage. Jermien usually kept himself to himself, but his daughter, Colette, was frequently seen outside in the finer weather, talking shyly with Daar, or picking wildflowers that she could dry out, and use for decoration in the home she shared with her father.

But no one had seen either of them since the adventurers had upped and left. A new wizard had seemingly arrived, taking over from Jermien in the Cowled affairs for the region. Minister Lloyd had tried to visit, to welcome him to their land, but the door to the small cottage had been opened by a surly little halfling, who told him, in no uncertain terms, to leave them be.

Daar was broken hearted to hear that his beloved Colette had left without even saying goodbye, and he too tried to visit, hoping to find out where she'd gone. The halfling had been absent on that occasion, and the young man had met the village's new mage. When asked about it, he'd just turned pale, and shook his head. Shortly after, he left Imnesvale; most people assumed he was seeking his true love, but the few closest to him suspected it was the effect of the encounter with the wizard.

So the locals assumed that Jermien had been recalled to Athkatla; and protective as he was, Colette, they figured, had gone too. His replacement's guard seemed unwilling to allow anyone close, and Daar's experience had caused rumours and slight suspicion, a wariness of the small, tidy cottage that was already showing signs of being overgrown and unkempt. The villagers continued their willingness, however, to put aside food and other necessities for the mage, and their only real interaction with either of the new inhabitants was when the halfling came to collect them. Even then, the best they got in way of conversation was a grunt and a glare.

And so life settled back down in the village and surrounding area. All curiosity about the newcomers faded away as normality returned, and preparations were made for the turning of the season.

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

Montaron peered out of the latticed window, glaring at the few passers by he could see. Deep down inside he could feel a rage burning, seething furiously. It was dying to get out; but he was stuck with the necromancer, as usual. And once again, they were in the middle of nowhere.

He didn't know how they managed to get into this predicament, time and time again. It had seemed like a simple enough task; follow the dwarf to this forsaken place, kill the ranger, take the body back to the city. But Montaron should have known that it wouldn't go to plan. Nothing had gone to plan in his life for several months, and events had given him no sign to think there was a change on the horizon.

They'd discovered the ranger had company. This shouldn't have been a problem in the slightest; it was just more men to kill. But then Montaron had realised who the ranger was standing next to -- Faerun was a large place, but for some reason, the halfling was finding it exceptionally hard to leave old faces behind for any length of time. So, they'd let the dwarf, Korgan, throw himself into the fight alone, and he and the mage had ended up here, in this village. Montaron had found the inn, and grudgingly paid for a room for the evening with the full intention of returning to Athkatla the following day.

He hadn't counted on Xzar randomly wandering into this very house the next morning, killing the sleeping man inside with a single cantrip. The young girl had screamed, and Montaron had quickly knocked her out to prevent anyone from investigating the noise. He'd asked the necromancer what he was playing at; wanted to shout and yell, but instead, he'd done as he always did. He tried to take a deep breath, tried to grit his teeth. He'd realised that neither were having much effect, so he stabbed the already dead man. Repeatedly. Eventually he felt better.

He'd been about to do the same to the girl when the mage stopped him; he wanted her kept alive, he'd seen the potential in the room for his very own laboratory. Montaron came closer to tears than he could ever remember, and he slunk into a chair, defeated by fatigue, misery and the bloody wizard. It was only when the girl came round and noticed her father's mutilated body that he moved, swiftly knocking her unconscious again, tying her up and gagging her, before shoving her into one of the many large cupboards.

Since then, his only real job had been to make sure she stayed alive, and so he forced her to eat twice a day, and left her gagged and alone for the rest. It comforted him slightly to know that there was someone having a more miserable time than he was.

Meanwhile, Xzar had become obsessed with the previous owner's work; examining the parchments and pieces lying around. After a day or two, he'd assembled a crude looking golem, but was lacking the final component, and it made him agitated and irritable. Montaron amused himself by thinking of fifty different ways to kill the necromancer, without resorting to using his sword, when suddenly Xzar announced that he'd discovered what he needed.

The next day, three young boys appeared at the door, and Xzar sent them off on his errand -- they were eager to be adventurers, and ignored his rather flamboyant manner as they scrambled away to pick up swords with the little money he'd given them. They hadn't been seen them again, and the locals mourned their lost children, calling them innocent victims of the lands.

And so time was passing, painfully slowly for Montaron. Xzar seemed content to stay, deliriously happy in his own, bizarre 'research'. The only good point was that Montaron no longer needed to tie him down at nights -- the necromancer was unwilling to leave the house at all, and no amount of persuasion would change his mind. Had the halfling been more inclined to enjoy the great outdoors, he would have made the most of it -- but as it was, he disliked the village with a passion that was almost completely unrivalled; it still managed to fall short of his hatred for Xzar, however.

He sighed, and moved away from the window. He'd already fed the girl that day, and the mage was pouring over some old book, oblivious to everything happening around him. Montaron picked up his sword, and put it into the scabbard, then placed his cloak around his shoulders and swathed himself into its confines. He had nothing to do, so he'd be as well going to pick up whatever offerings the villagers had set aside for them this week.

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

Valygar and Aerie looked even worse bumping around in the saddles of their horses than they'd managed to look when Coran found them, and told them Mazzy's intentions. The heavy night had affected them both; the avariel had allowed herself to get completely carried away with the revelry, and the ranger had found himself unable to escape his adoring fans. In the end, both had drunk more than they intended, and it was showing clearly on their faces.

Mazzy led the way in the ranger's indisposition, Nalia and Coran riding along behind her, side by side. They chatted lightly as they went, joking and teasing each other until the previous night's events were forgotten about. Coran had seen Nalia into her room, and excused himself. He'd spent only a few minutes in his own quarters, before returning to her door, and knocking lightly. She'd answered, surprised by his appearance, but had let him in with no more questions. He had sat by her bed, holding her hand until she fell asleep, letting himself out quietly when she was deep enough in slumber. His own reverie after it had been troubled and disturbed, but the details of it he intended to keep to himself.

Eventually Aerie caught up with them, leaving Valygar to trail behind them, looking rather green. Nalia dropped back, and attempted to cheer him up, much to Coran's amusement, and Aerie smiled over to him when he asked her how she was feeling.

"B-better," she admitted, looking embarrassed. Coran grinned, but didn’t tease her further; the avariel was a delicate soul, and despite her rare displays of bravery when it came to Korgan, she could take an insult out of a joke, and bear the effects for hours.

"So, tell me," he announced, smiling widely to her. "Why were you so nervous yesterday? You've faced unknown foes, battled fearsome creatures, and never have you trembled as much as you did before the ceremony."

Aerie sighed deeply, and her cheeks reddened. "I... I just didn't w-want people looking at me," she said quietly.

Coran raised an eyebrow. "But why not? You are a beautiful girl, and you cannot possibly argue that with me now, after seeing the looks the young men were giving you at the tavern!"

The avariel's scarlet colour deepened even more, and she shifted uncomfortably. Coran grinned mischievously at her, and she smiled shyly. "I... I think they just... well, they didn't know what I was, and so..."

"And so?"

"And... so they didn't know about my wings."

Coran nodded. He'd heard about Aerie's history -- she'd been captured and imprisoned in a tiny cage, her wings cramped in the conditions, and then infected by the squalor. They'd been amputated to save her, and she'd been rescued from her horrific captivity by Quayle, the man she called 'uncle'. Since then, she'd seen herself as a failure in every conceivable way. It was only the older gnome's patience and wisdom that had helped her to build up her magical skills, and her devotion to the gnomish god, Baervan Wildwanderer, had granted her with clerical abilities.

Despite this, her confidence remained shattered; the memory of what she'd lost casting a shadow across anything else that was positive in her life. Coran had avoided talking about it with her, if only to try and prevent her anguish from resurfacing and destroying the contentment she seemed to gain in the group; but now he had to admit that it likely had always been there.

"I think you place too much importance on your lost wings," he said carefully.

Aerie threw him an angry glance. "H-how would you know? What have you lost, that can make you understand h-how I feel?"

"I lost the one woman I was able to love," he shrugged. "It's not the same, but with every day I spend without her, I feel as if I am missing a part of myself."

"I... I am sorry to hear that," replied Aerie abashedly. "It... it is Maiyn, isn't it? The girl you w-want to find."

Coran nodded, and looked over to the wingless elf. "Sometimes we can focus too much on what is wrong in our lives," he said thoughtfully. "Then we miss what is good. You are a beautiful young girl, and the men who tried their utmost to woo you last night thought the same. They don't care if you have wings or not, they don't care if you can no longer fly. They see the pretty face, the elegance and the occasional displays of courage that make the complete you. And they liked it."

Aerie dropped her head, her hands fidgeting with her reins. "Do... do you really think I'm pretty?"

Coran laughed, but it wasn't unkind. "Aerie! How could you ask me such a silly question? You are one of the prettiest women I've had the pleasure of meeting, and I can't believe the fortune I have in travelling with you, Nalia and Mazzy! Each a stunning display of beauty from their race!”

"Coran..." Aerie's blush had returned in force.

"No, I am being serious -- please, if you believe nothing else I say, believe me when I say that."

"I... I will," she nodded, smiling. "Th-thank you."

Coran bowed his head respectfully, and smiled in return as the cleric moved forward to converse with Mazzy. He looked around, realising they were making good distance for the time, and checked back to see how Valygar and Nalia were doing. The ranger was still lagging, though the fresh air seemed to be perking him up slowly -- so unaccustomed to alcohol as he was, he was taking substantially longer to recover from the effects than even the diminutive avariel. Nalia was still riding beside him, but she'd obviously been able to hear the elf's conversation with Aerie; she was giving him an odd look, and when their eyes met, she looked away quickly, a small smile spreading across her lips.

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

The following morning they emerged from the Umar Inn feeling refreshed. They'd opted for the inn, seeing as conditions at Valygar's cabin would be slightly cramped, and Coran thought the ranger could do with a proper bed, and a proper night of rest. Their horses were saddled up and ready for them, and Mazzy wandered off to pick up the last of the supplies they'd need from one of the merchants trading around at the side of the tavern. She'd only been gone a few minutes when Coran heard her shriek, and went dashing off to see what was wrong.

He turned the corner, and ran straight into a small figure -- his reflexes took over as he grabbed the flailing arm, helping the person regain their balance, and his mind told him that it must be Mazzy. He was halfway through apologising to her, when he looked up to see the warrior standing ahead of him, watching him curiously. He frowned, and looked down to see who was squirming in his grasp.

He instantly groaned and let go. Montaron pulled his arm away violently, and made a show about straightening his clothing. He glared up at Coran, and the elf merely rolled his eyes, and looked over to his companion.

"You screamed, Mistress Mazzy?"

"This... this wretched... thing!" she exclaimed indignantly. "It… it..."

"It been an accident," muttered Montaron bitterly, his poisonous gaze returning to Mazzy. She spluttered indignantly.

"What did you do to her?" asked Coran threateningly, trying to loom over the small rogue as much as he could.

"I pinched her arse," replied Montaron gruffly, a wicked smile spreading across his face. "Don't be lettin' her fool ye; she be enjoyin' it as much as me."

Mazzy's mouth dropped wide open in horror, and Coran roughly dragged Montaron away from her wrath, taking him to the safety of the others. Aerie gasped as she recognised him, and he scowled in her direction, then tried to stalk off before the elf grabbed the hood of his cloak, preventing him from disappearing.

"What are you doing here?" asked Coran in frustration. It was becoming a habit, he realised, to find the halfling and his mad companion. And since the halfling was here, it meant the necromancer...

"Oh, Monty!"

Coran groaned again. He looked up to see Xzar dancing towards them, a wide smile across his face. The halfling looked shocked to see the mage, and he shook himself free from Coran's grasp.

"What be ye doin' out here?" Montaron demanded of the wizard.

"I'm bored, Monty!" exclaimed Xzar pleasantly. "Let's go with these people!" Everyone present looked horrified by the prospect, with the exception of Valygar who seemed to be quite indifferent. Coran was beginning to sense the start of a bad day.

"I be thinkin' that be a bad idea," said Montaron hurriedly, trying to drag Xzar away in the opposite direction.

"It's not often I agree with you, but this time, I think you're right," muttered Coran darkly.

"Wait there!" The two Zhents paused instantly at the commanding voice, and Coran turned to see Mazzy bearing down on them. "Where is my apology?" she demanded.

"Apology?" asked Montaron, dumbly.

"Yes, apology. Squire Valygar, this... man... placed his hands on me, and it was most unwelcome!"

"Er..." Valygar glanced helplessly at Coran, but then nodded to Mazzy and glared at Montaron. "You should apologise. Yes."
"I no be apologisin' fer anythin'," stated the halfling with a snort.

"Then if you shall not apologise with words," Mazzy said strongly, "you will come with us, and serve in my quest to excuse yourself."

Montaron stared at her, then laughed. He laughed for several long minutes, while the others just stood in silence. Mazzy's stern expression stayed resolutely fixed to him. "Yer no jokin'?"

"No, I am not."

"We're no-"

"Yes, Monty! Say we'll go! It'll be... fun!" Xzar clapped his hands together in glee, then leapt forward to stand between Coran and Valygar. Both moved slightly away from him, almost instinctively.

Montaron sighed, but weighed his options. It was the first time the necromancer had shown an interest in leaving the cottage, let alone the village. On the other hand, it meant getting them involved with people Montaron didn't fully want to be involved with. The longer he thought about it, the more he realised he had no option, really.

"We'll travel wi' ye," he eventually said darkly. "But ye owes us fer our time."

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

Coran couldn't help but be amused during the journey to the temple ruins. Mazzy had decided that Montaron could share her horse, and the rogue was clinging onto her as she trotted along happily, his face betraying a mixture of fear and revulsion. Xzar was virtually dangling off the horse he shared with Valygar, the ranger having given up a long time ago at making him sit in the saddle properly.

The journey passed mainly in silence, only the halflings arguments breaking up the quietness of the hills around them. The trees slowly turned more gnarled and ancient, and Valygar moved ahead, working with Mazzy as she tried to guide them straight to the altar from memory.

They rode in circles for hours, finding the main entrance to the temple on more than one occasion. Each time, Mazzy shook her head determinedly, and set off again, and eventually Coran saw something glinting through the trees. He called to Mazzy, and she cried out in joy, riding over towards the statue. The light was fading fast, and a quick camp was set up, the horses tethered safely nearby to their bedrolls, and to everyone's surprise, Montaron offered to cook.

"And risk you poisoning us all? I think not," stated Mazzy firmly.

Montaron scoffed at her. "It be a communal pot, ye fool," he snapped. "If'n I was tae waste valuable resources on ye, I'd be riskin' me own neck as well."

"Halflings are good cooks," noted Valygar as he dropped off the brace of pheasants he'd obtained for their supper. "Perhaps if you work together, we could be treated with a culinary feast."

"I'm no workin' wi' her!" growled Montaron fiercely.

"I'm not allowing you to cook," insisted Mazzy.

"Fine!" Montaron stalked off, and threw himself down beside the fire, mumbling incoherently to himself. Xzar looked up at him, and smiled merrily, then returned to his spellbook.

"Squire Valygar, you can do us the honour of cooking tonight," proclaimed Mazzy, her eyes fixed on Montaron. She didn't look overly pleased.

Valygar's eyebrow rose. "But I caught-"

"Yes, and you will know what best to do with them," she replied distractedly, wandering off past Aerie and Nalia as they tried to refrain from giggling. Valygar looked at Coran with an exasperated expression, and the elf grinned back.

"Come, my friend," he said, putting his arm around the perplexed ranger's shoulders. "Let us get the food done, so we may rest and recover from the journey, and prepare for the battle ahead. After all, if we are to be preoccupied cooking, we shall be far too busy to receive our squire training!"

Valygar suddenly brightened up immeasurably.

#2 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 18 November 2006 - 10:43 AM

You're just brewing more and more trouble, aren't you?

I hope you're not going to leave Colette there to starve to death...

#3 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 18 November 2006 - 01:17 PM

You're just brewing more and more trouble, aren't you?


Who, me? *most angelic smile ever* It's not me, it's the simians I have to work with!

Whoa... Edwin moment there...

I hope you're not going to leave Colette there to starve to death...


Again, it's not me! It's Montarton who was... er.. 'looking after' her :oops:

But, there will be mention of her muuuuch later on...#

Thanks for reading and commenting :twisted:

#4 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 20 November 2006 - 11:53 AM

Oh dear, our gruesome twosome is up to no good again. What can I say, but... it sucks to be Colette? :twisted:

I also liked the touch about the three young and impressionable village idiots... looks like the poor diseased gibberling in the Umar Cave finally found something to snack on. :oops:

You have to admire the loyalty of that little halfling as well... the way he decided to leave Korgan to die horribly as soon as he saw that there was no hope of succeeding. Gosh... I miss that crude dwarf and his obscene jokes.

Mazzy and Montaron... it's just meant to be a love affair, isn't it? Such a perfect case of opposites attract!

Argh at the Aerie wing talk... think that was the point where I started to dislike her in the game. (Though I must say I was kind of dubious towards her from the moment I heard that horrible, horrible voice...)

And Mazzy and Valygar... darn, that halfling can be seriously annoying, can't she? And Valygar doesn't seem to have much of a backbone, either... sigh. :twisted:

#5 Guest_Keldan_*

Posted 20 November 2006 - 03:31 PM

Poor Valygar... :) C'mon, Val, let your innate badass-ness show through! You dualwield, therefore you are awesome. BE AWESOME.

Ahem. Yes. Great chapter. :)

#6 Guest_Coutelier_*

Posted 20 November 2006 - 04:44 PM

But no one had seen either of them since the adventurers had upped and left. A new wizard had seemingly arrived, taking over from Jermien in the Cowled affairs for the region. Minister Lloyd had tried to visit, to welcome him to their land, but the door to the small cottage had been opened by a surly little halfling, who told him, in no uncertain terms, to leave them be.


Tarant: Great... I wonder who that could be.

Montaron peered out of the latticed window, glaring at the few passers by he could see. Deep down inside he could feel a rage burning, seething furiously. It was dying to get out; but he was stuck with the necromancer, as usual. And once again, they were in the middle of nowhere.


Tarant: It is him. And just as the villagers thought things were getting better. That's life I guess.

He'd been about to do the same to the girl when the mage stopped him; he wanted her kept alive, he'd seen the potential in the room for his very own laboratory. Montaron came closer to tears than he could ever remember, and he slunk into a chair, defeated by fatigue, misery and the bloody wizard. It was only when the girl came round and noticed her father's mutilated body that he moved, swiftly knocking her unconscious again, tying her up and gagging her, before shoving her into one of the many large cupboards.


Aerie: That poor girl! Someone needs to help her!

Tarant: Why would he want her alive though?

Aerie: That's not important is it?

Tarant: I'd say it's pretty important for her right now.

The next day, three young boys appeared at the door, and Xzar sent them off on his errand -- they were eager to be adventurers, and ignored his rather flamboyant manner as they scrambled away to pick up swords with the little money he'd given them. They hadn't been seen them again, and the locals mourned their lost children, calling them innocent victims of the lands.


Aerie: Innocent people always get hurt around these two.

Valygar and Aerie looked even worse bumping around in the saddles of their horses than they'd managed to look when Coran found them, and told them Mazzy's intentions. The heavy night had affected them both; the avariel had allowed herself to get completely carried away with the revelry, and the ranger had found himself unable to escape his adoring fans. In the end, both had drunk more than they intended, and it was showing clearly on their faces.


Tarant: So Val can't hold his drink. What a sissy.

"So, tell me," he announced, smiling widely to her. "Why were you so nervous yesterday? You've faced unknown foes, battled fearsome creatures, and never have you trembled as much as you did before the ceremony."

Aerie sighed deeply, and her cheeks reddened. "I... I just didn't w-want people looking at me," she said quietly.


Tarant: You'd think she'd be used to it really.

Aerie: Used to it... doesn't mean I have to like it.

Coran nodded. He'd heard about Aerie's history -- she'd been captured and imprisoned in a tiny cage, her wings cramped in the conditions, and then infected by the squalor. They'd been amputated to save her, and she'd been rescued from her horrific captivity by Quayle, the man she called 'uncle'. Since then, she'd seen herself as a failure in every conceivable way. It was only the older gnome's patience and wisdom that had helped her to build up her magical skills, and her devotion to the gnomish god, Baervan Wildwanderer, had granted her with clerical abilities.


Imoen: That's sad... I spent a few weeks in a cell and it nearly broke me. At least there I was allowed out each day for walks and I had bed to rest in. Really I think Aerie's a lot stronger than many people think.

Coran nodded, and looked over to the wingless elf. "Sometimes we can focus too much on what is wrong in our lives," he said thoughtfully. "Then we miss what is good. You are a beautiful young girl, and the men who tried their utmost to woo you last night thought the same. They don't care if you have wings or not, they don't care if you can no longer fly. They see the pretty face, the elegance and the occasional displays of courage that make the complete you. And they liked it."


Imoen: Of course, you're still never likely going to see your family again or know whats become of them.

Aerie: Please stop trying to help me.

Imoen: I was going to say 'at least you have us'.

Aerie dropped her head, her hands fidgeting with her reins. "Do... do you really think I'm pretty?"


Tarant: She's alright, now that she's put on a few pounds. I think she was only ever fed bird seed in the circus.

"You screamed, Mistress Mazzy?"

"This... this wretched... thing!" she exclaimed indignantly. "It… it..."

"It been an accident," muttered Montaron bitterly, his poisonous gaze returning to Mazzy. She spluttered indignantly.

"What did you do to her?" asked Coran threateningly, trying to loom over the small rogue as much as he could.

"I pinched her arse," replied Montaron gruffly, a wicked smile spreading across his face. "Don't be lettin' her fool ye; she be enjoyin' it as much as me."


Tarant: Oh, I think it's love.

"I'm bored, Monty!" exclaimed Xzar pleasantly. "Let's go with these people!" Everyone present looked horrified by the prospect, with the exception of Valygar who seemed to be quite indifferent. Coran was beginning to sense the start of a bad day.

"I be thinkin' that be a bad idea," said Montaron hurriedly, trying to drag Xzar away in the opposite direction.


Edwin: I have to agree.

Imoen: I'd have thought you'd be happy.

Edwin: Oh yes... naturally all us 'evil' characters stick together do we? We would live in the same house together if we could... dummy. In fact, we understand not to trust each other at all.

"Yes, apology. Squire Valygar, this... man... placed his hands on me, and it was most unwelcome!"

"Er..." Valygar glanced helplessly at Coran, but then nodded to Mazzy and glared at Montaron. "You should apologise. Yes."


Imoen: C'mon Val... the ladies honour is at stake!

Montaron sighed, but weighed his options. It was the first time the necromancer had shown an interest in leaving the cottage, let alone the village. On the other hand, it meant getting them involved with people Montaron didn't fully want to be involved with. The longer he thought about it, the more he realised he had no option, really.

"We'll travel wi' ye," he eventually said darkly. "But ye owes us fer our time."


Aerie: Th-they haven't just forgotten Collette have they?

"Halflings are good cooks," noted Valygar as he dropped off the brace of pheasants he'd obtained for their supper. "Perhaps if you work together, we could be treated with a culinary feast."

"I'm no workin' wi' her!" growled Montaron fiercely.

"I'm not allowing you to cook," insisted Mazzy.


Imoen: They're really hitting it off aren't they?

"Come, my friend," he said, putting his arm around the perplexed ranger's shoulders. "Let us get the food done, so we may rest and recover from the journey, and prepare for the battle ahead. After all, if we are to be preoccupied cooking, we shall be far too busy to receive our squire training!"

Valygar suddenly brightened up immeasurably.


:)

Another excellent chapter!

#7 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 21 November 2006 - 09:39 AM

Oh dear, our gruesome twosome is up to no good again. What can I say, but... it sucks to be Colette? :)


Doesn't it? :)

I also liked the touch about the three young and impressionable village idiots... looks like the poor diseased gibberling in the Umar Cave finally found something to snack on. :)


Hehehe -- well, I thought I might as well wrap up as much small side-quests together as possible, and it was too good an opportunity to miss. There's something about Montaron and Xzar that just makes chapters flow, and I'm not quite sure what it is :)

You have to admire the loyalty of that little halfling as well... the way he decided to leave Korgan to die horribly as soon as he saw that there was no hope of succeeding. Gosh... I miss that crude dwarf and his obscene jokes.


I do as well, really :) At first I found it really hard to write for him, but after the first joke came out it was plain sailing. By the time they met Keldorn I was making myself not have filthy innuendo and crude jokes for every line... :D And Montaron is nothing if not absolutely self-serving :D

Mazzy and Montaron... it's just meant to be a love affair, isn't it? Such a perfect case of opposites attract!


Oh yes :D Absolutely made for each other! :D

Argh at the Aerie wing talk... think that was the point where I started to dislike her in the game. (Though I must say I was kind of dubious towards her from the moment I heard that horrible, horrible voice...)


I don't mind the voice too much, or Aerie in general (though none of my male chars have romanced her, so perhaps that's why...) I like to give her a little bit more inner strength though, generally, because I think she must have *something* in her to have got through what she's been through.

And Mazzy and Valygar... darn, that halfling can be seriously annoying, can't she? And Valygar doesn't seem to have much of a backbone, either... sigh. :D


Hee! Not right now, no... though when we next see this party he might have developed a bit more of one :D It's not that he's a wimp, more that he's far too laid-back right now to really care much about anything. Still, he has a... 'conversation' with Xzar next time :D

Thanks for reading and commenting :D

#8 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 21 November 2006 - 09:40 AM

Poor Valygar... :) C'mon, Val, let your innate badass-ness show through! You dualwield, therefore you are awesome. BE AWESOME.


Valygar: Just wait until we are at camp. Oh yes.

Ahem. Yes. Great chapter. :D


Thanks :D And thanks for reading and commenting! :)

#9 Guest_arabellaesque_*

Posted 21 November 2006 - 09:50 AM

But no one had seen either of them since the adventurers had upped and left. A new wizard had seemingly arrived, taking over from Jermien in the Cowled affairs for the region. Minister Lloyd had tried to visit, to welcome him to their land, but the door to the small cottage had been opened by a surly little halfling, who told him, in no uncertain terms, to leave them be.


Tarant: Great... I wonder who that could be.


Montaron: Yer stupider than I thought if'n ye don't know.

Montaron peered out of the latticed window, glaring at the few passers by he could see. Deep down inside he could feel a rage burning, seething furiously. It was dying to get out; but he was stuck with the necromancer, as usual. And once again, they were in the middle of nowhere.


Tarant: It is him. And just as the villagers thought things were getting better. That's life I guess.


Maiyn: Hey now -- he might leave them alone and let them get on with their lives, while he gets on with his!

He'd been about to do the same to the girl when the mage stopped him; he wanted her kept alive, he'd seen the potential in the room for his very own laboratory. Montaron came closer to tears than he could ever remember, and he slunk into a chair, defeated by fatigue, misery and the bloody wizard. It was only when the girl came round and noticed her father's mutilated body that he moved, swiftly knocking her unconscious again, tying her up and gagging her, before shoving her into one of the many large cupboards.


Aerie: That poor girl! Someone needs to help her!


Tarant: Why would he want her alive though?


Aerie: That's not important is it?


Tarant: I'd say it's pretty important for her right now.


Maiyn: Or not, I see... and I'm not sure why he wanted her kept alive. The Xzar I know wants most things dead.
Montaron: An' when'd he ever make full sense te ye?

The next day, three young boys appeared at the door, and Xzar sent them off on his errand -- they were eager to be adventurers, and ignored his rather flamboyant manner as they scrambled away to pick up swords with the little money he'd given them. They hadn't been seen them again, and the locals mourned their lost children, calling them innocent victims of the lands.


Aerie: Innocent people always get hurt around these two.


Montaron: Ye can't be knowin' what people get up te when yer not lookin' -- there's no such thin' as an 'innocent'.

Valygar and Aerie looked even worse bumping around in the saddles of their horses than they'd managed to look when Coran found them, and told them Mazzy's intentions. The heavy night had affected them both; the avariel had allowed herself to get completely carried away with the revelry, and the ranger had found himself unable to escape his adoring fans. In the end, both had drunk more than they intended, and it was showing clearly on their faces.


Tarant: So Val can't hold his drink. What a sissy.


Valygar: I can hold my drinks amply enough in normal situations -- the women that went with them, however...

"So, tell me," he announced, smiling widely to her. "Why were you so nervous yesterday? You've faced unknown foes, battled fearsome creatures, and never have you trembled as much as you did before the ceremony."


Aerie sighed deeply, and her cheeks reddened. "I... I just didn't w-want people looking at me," she said quietly.


Tarant: You'd think she'd be used to it really.


Aerie: Used to it... doesn't mean I have to like it.


Nalia: Exactly! I mean, just because I was born into nobility and so better off than the poor people means I might be used to it, but I don't have to like the fact they're like that.
Coran: Er, Nalia dear, that's not quite the same.

Coran nodded. He'd heard about Aerie's history -- she'd been captured and imprisoned in a tiny cage, her wings cramped in the conditions, and then infected by the squalor. They'd been amputated to save her, and she'd been rescued from her horrific captivity by Quayle, the man she called 'uncle'. Since then, she'd seen herself as a failure in every conceivable way. It was only the older gnome's patience and wisdom that had helped her to build up her magical skills, and her devotion to the gnomish god, Baervan Wildwanderer, had granted her with clerical abilities.


Imoen: That's sad... I spent a few weeks in a cell and it nearly broke me. At least there I was allowed out each day for walks and I had bed to rest in. Really I think Aerie's a lot stronger than many people think.


Aerie: Th-thank you. I t-try!

Coran nodded, and looked over to the wingless elf. "Sometimes we can focus too much on what is wrong in our lives," he said thoughtfully. "Then we miss what is good. You are a beautiful young girl, and the men who tried their utmost to woo you last night thought the same. They don't care if you have wings or not, they don't care if you can no longer fly. They see the pretty face, the elegance and the occasional displays of courage that make the complete you. And they liked it."


Imoen: Of course, you're still never likely going to see your family again or know whats become of them.


Aerie: Please stop trying to help me.


Imoen: I was going to say 'at least you have us'.


Maiyn: Aww, which is a nice sentiment, if somewhat poorly put.

Aerie dropped her head, her hands fidgeting with her reins. "Do... do you really think I'm pretty?"


Tarant: She's alright, now that she's put on a few pounds. I think she was only ever fed bird seed in the circus.


Coran: That would explain it -- these vegan diets aren't healthy for anyone.

"You screamed, Mistress Mazzy?"


"This... this wretched... thing!" she exclaimed indignantly. "It… it..."


"It been an accident," muttered Montaron bitterly, his poisonous gaze returning to Mazzy. She spluttered indignantly.


"What did you do to her?" asked Coran threateningly, trying to loom over the small rogue as much as he could.


"I pinched her arse," replied Montaron gruffly, a wicked smile spreading across his face. "Don't be lettin' her fool ye; she be enjoyin' it as much as me."


Tarant: Oh, I think it's love.


Coran: That would be more worrying that outright hate, I think.


"I'm bored, Monty!" exclaimed Xzar pleasantly. "Let's go with these people!" Everyone present looked horrified by the prospect, with the exception of Valygar who seemed to be quite indifferent. Coran was beginning to sense the start of a bad day.


"I be thinkin' that be a bad idea," said Montaron hurriedly, trying to drag Xzar away in the opposite direction.


Edwin: I have to agree.


Imoen: I'd have thought you'd be happy.


Edwin: Oh yes... naturally all us 'evil' characters stick together do we? We would live in the same house together if we could... dummy. In fact, we understand not to trust each other at all.


Montaron: If'n that red fool was anywhere near 'em, we'd be steerin' well clear.

"Yes, apology. Squire Valygar, this... man... placed his hands on me, and it was most unwelcome!"


"Er..." Valygar glanced helplessly at Coran, but then nodded to Mazzy and glared at Montaron. "You should apologise. Yes."


Imoen: C'mon Val... the ladies honour is at stake!


Valygar: *sigh*

Montaron sighed, but weighed his options. It was the first time the necromancer had shown an interest in leaving the cottage, let alone the village. On the other hand, it meant getting them involved with people Montaron didn't fully want to be involved with. The longer he thought about it, the more he realised he had no option, really.


"We'll travel wi' ye," he eventually said darkly. "But ye owes us fer our time."


Aerie: Th-they haven't just forgotten Collette have they?


Montaron: Forgo'en? Nay! Decided te ignore? Aye... :)

"Halflings are good cooks," noted Valygar as he dropped off the brace of pheasants he'd obtained for their supper. "Perhaps if you work together, we could be treated with a culinary feast."


"I'm no workin' wi' her!" growled Montaron fiercely.


"I'm not allowing you to cook," insisted Mazzy.


Imoen: They're really hitting it off aren't they?


Coran: I've seen lengthy marriages that have started off on worse feet than this. Of course, then I've come along...
Maiyn: I think you should stop there.
Coran: Yes, I think so.

"Come, my friend," he said, putting his arm around the perplexed ranger's shoulders. "Let us get the food done, so we may rest and recover from the journey, and prepare for the battle ahead. After all, if we are to be preoccupied cooking, we shall be far too busy to receive our squire training!"


Valygar suddenly brightened up immeasurably.


:)


:D

Another excellent chapter!


Thank you! :D And thanks for reading and commenting! :D




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