Jump to content


The Fallen 1:18 Promises Made


  • Please log in to reply
10 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 06 June 2007 - 04:08 PM

The Fallen, the Dark and the Blessed

Chapter 1: part 18 Promises Made


Promises Made

"Women love us for our defects. If we have enough of them, they will forgive us everything, even our gigantic intellects."
-- Oscar Wilde


Dynaheir settled herself into a small depression on the sunny side of one of the many boulders that littered the landscape around the makeshift camp. After a ten-day of captivity in a cold, damp, lightless pit, the sun was warm and most welcome. For the last four days, she and her new friends had fled her gnoll captors, taking a hard path to the south cutting through the foothills of the Cloud Peak Mountains to throw off pursuit. The pace set had been relentless, and they were all exhausted, but the effort was worth the price, there has been no sign of pursuit for two days now. No one had objected when it was suggested that they take a day and rest here in this broad grassy meadow..

She had just cleaned the utensils and pot they had used for lunch and returned them to their proper place in the packs. Even though her knowledge of such mundane tasks was severely lacking she was insistent on doing such labor. Simple chores such as this were among the only contributions she could make the party. Her goal was to be thought of as useful, rather than a hindrance, although none of her rescuers had suggested she was a burden, she still worried, she was still an outsider in this eclectic group.


Her rescuers milled about the camp lazily basking in the sun and the cool breeze that came from the west. They were a strange group, strange but good. They had risked their lives to save her, a stranger, but she knew of no way to thank them, or even if they desired some form of gratitude. None of them seemed to belong together, yet she had seen how in a battle they seemed to merge into one cohesive unit, seemingly reading each other’s minds, agreeing on goals, coordinating and focusing their attacks. How they accomplished this so well, so effortlessly was a mystery. It was certainly not through leadership. Dynaheir had never seen anything like their leader outside of a comedic play. This Khalid was competent enough with a sword, yet when you spoke to him, he so tripped over his words that one could wile away the morning just waiting for him to respond to a comment on the weather. It was obvious that this man did not want to be commanding or even fighting anything, much less leading a band of mercenary adventurers. In her minds eye she could easily see him as a clerk or a farmer, some blessedly simple profession well removed from people and the need to speak to them.

His wife Jaheira was also a strange person, all stern looks, and hard shell. She recalled the look of grudging respect she earned from Jaheira when she insisted others be healed before her. The brash attitude aside Dynaheir felt she and Jaheira could be friends given time. They were much alike, both driven, determined, and guarded with their emotions.
Only the Gods knew what Jaheira and Khalid saw in each other. Dynaheir chided herself for pondering Jaheira’s romantic inclinations, especially when her own choices in such matters had been so dreadful.

Then there were the three children Khalid and Jaheira led about. Children were all she could call them, they were all far too young to be out in the world like this. Yet Minsc was younger still than any of them and had she not brought him halfway across the known world?

She heard the soft sounds of harp strings carrying themselves across the camp. Garrick was practicing once again. He pretended to take nothing seriously, all jokes and silly songs, yet his eyes missed no detail and his ears heard every conversation. Imoen was glib, smug, and irreverent yet would slip into times of seriousness and determination that would give Jaheira pause. The girl also cried herself to sleep each night, though she went to lengths to hide that fact from the others, she wondered if Garrick heard that as well as she had. Dynaheir knew she could trust those two with her life...just not with her purse. Then there was Hadrian. He was so young yet seemed to be carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders. She had learned that something had happened to drive Hadrian and his sister from their home, though they have not spoken openly of it and it was not her place to ask…yet.

Minsc bounded up the grassy slope, stopping next to her he snapped to attention like a soldier in the military, waiting for her to acknowledge his presence. She sighed. She had asked, nay pleaded, with Minsc to stop that sort of behavior, it was completely inappropriate and worse it drew unwanted attention for two individuals fleeing across the continent. She took comfort in that fact that at the very least she had convinced him to stop saluting her. “Yes Minsc?” She asked trying not to let any of the exasperation she felt escape into her voice.

“I have scouted this valley, and the one to the west as well, and the trail we used to come to this place. The evil doggie people do not follow us.”

“Thank you Minsc. We shall let Khalid know when we see him next. And please stop standing at attention like that, we are here to relax and recover.”

“I will tell the stumbling man that we remain safe here.” Minsc said as he took a seat on the boulder next to her. Dynaheir noted he was thoughtful enough not to block the sun from her.

“His name is Khalid, please try to remember it.”

“I will try, Boo will remind me. Boo says that he is a good man. Boo also says that talking about the way he talks is rude.”

“Yes he is a good man.” They all were good. Minsc had told her of how they came to his aid when no one else in Nashkel would even listen to him. The fact that they treated Minsc well and that they took his oddities in stride spoke volumes about their individual characters. Since meeting Minsc she had witness people turning away from him in fear and disgust, or worse people mocking him because of his limitations. She had taken Minsc on out of a sense of duty, he was so painfully in need of a guardian and care giver back then, back when life was so much simpler, and so much happier. If only she had known what would transpire, how such kindness on her part would endanger his life, she would not have done so. But, once done is done forever. Now the poor boy was committed to her fate was his. When she chose to flee westward, he followed and would not be left behind. Despite her misgivings she was glad of that fact too, Minsc had saved her life on more than one occasion and when one is all alone any sort of companionship is welcomed. However, the stress of their journey seems to have loosened his already tenuous grasp of reality. Over the last few months, he has taken to believing he is undertaking his dejemma, a ritual journey to manhood, seeking adventure and glory in battle and that part of this trial is to be her bodyguard. There were times Dynaheir wished his delusions were true, that there truly was an Ice Dragon berserker lodge in the forests of Rasheman awaiting his triumphant return. If it were so, she would worry less about his future.

“Boo says that it is good to be part of this group,” Minsc announced.

“Yes, it is Minsc,” Dynaheir agreed. She had been lonely these last few months even if she did not care to admit that fact. No formal invitation to join these adventurers had been offered, though they have told her of their goal to investigate the iron shortage and the bandit crisis plaguing this part of the world. Perhaps that was as much invitation as she would receive. Continuing to travel with a group like this would have its advantages, as well as its risks. One the one hand, there was comfort, camaraderie and safety such a group could offer, on the other hand, there was the danger her presence would no doubt cause them.

“Minsc, “she said softly.

“Yes, my witch. What is your command?”

She rested a hand on his arm. She would have to phrase this carefully. “Minsc I wish you to promise me something.”

“For you I would fight the demon lords of the nine hell,” he said emphatically.

“Minsc, should something happen to me, should I die.” She held up a hand to stop his inevitable protest. “Please listen to me, I am not immortal, I may well die…should that day come. I want you to remain with this group, to travel with them and do as they bid you. They are exceptional people, they will take care…” She paused for a moment considering her words. “They will need your help and your strength.”

“Minsc will personally avenge your death. They may help me but it is my responsibility my duty.”

“No Minsc, you will follow these good people and do what they think is best. Will you promise me that?”

“I will do as you command, my witch.”


 

“What ya doing?” Imoen asked settling herself next to Hadrian along the edge of the small stream that flowed though the meadow.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? Really? Cause it looks like your poking at rocks with a stick…which is defiantly something.”

Hadrian turned to scowl at his sister.

Imoen used two fingers to push his mouth into something resembling a smile. The scowl returned as soon as she stopped manipulating his mouth. “And don’t look at me that way, you face might get stuck like that.” She gave his cheek a couple friendly pats. Say, someone needs a shave.”

“Are you here for a reason Imoen?” Hadrian said pulling away from her touch.

“I’m here to get my baby brother to stop brooding, of course.”

“I thought I was poking at rocks with a stick. And, I’ll brood if I want to. Now, go away.”

Imoen slumped, dejected. “Well, hand me a stick and I’ll poke at them too then.”

Long minutes passed in silence before Hadrian said, “Everything is easier when you keep moving, when you have something to do. This sitting still…”

“Gives you time to think, I know,” Imoen agreed. “But we needed to rest today. Everyone is exhausted, even you. Heck you slept most of the night last night.”

Hadrian began using his stick to stir op small pebbles, herding them together to create a tiny dam between two larger rocks. “I just feel so empty. I suppose that’s better than being angry. If I was angry the all I would want to do is hurt that weird spiky armor guy, hurt him real good.”

“It’s OK to be angry with him. He took our father away.” Imoen settle her head onto Hadrian’s shoulder watching him manipulate the pebbles in the stream. “But it’s good a good thing you’re not angry, I think I have enough anger for both of us.”


 

Garrick slowly and carefully tightened a string on his hap, plucking away at the string as its tone changes. The string was old, and its tightening peg complained with a small squeak. “Careful now little lady,” he said to his harp. “Don’t be breaking this string on me, I don’t have a replacement and it needs to last until we get back to civilization.” Cautiously he tested a cord, then a scale. The notes drifted off into the breeze. “Well that will have to do. That shopkeeper in Nashkel had better have the strings I ordered when we get back.”

Garrick’s fingers ran up and down a few scales, his ear hunting for any other off key notes. Satisfied with his tuning efforts he looked around the camp. A day of rest was good, but everyone still seemed tense and nervous. He could not understand why, the day was beautiful, the scenery pleasant. They needed something to improve their mood.

“Well little lady,” he said addressing his harp, “What should we play for them?” He paused for a moment listening to a songbird in the tree above him. “A love song you say? Well, why not? So long as you know, you will always me my first love. Women may come and go, but, you little lady, I know you will always be with me.” Garrick’s hands began a slow lamenting ballad of first love.

 

“He’s off br…br…brooding again. And he has Imoen doing it too now.” Khalid had promised to help Jaheira brush the horses, however, he had spent more time watching everyone else at their camp than caring for the animals.

Jaheira looked off towards the stream where Hadrian and Imoen sat together. “You worry too much husband. His father murdered, his home lost to him, a bounty on his head. If he were acting as if all nothing were wrong, then it would be cause for concern.”

“We should do som…something.”

Jaheira signed, she knew where this conversation was heading. “If it bothers you so, then I suggest you go do something about it.”

“He will re…resist.”

“Of course he will, that is his way, you will offer to help him, and he will deny that he needs help.”

“And n…n…nothing will change.” Khalid pondered the situation for some time. “What would you suggest I do?”

Jaheira snorted in amusement. “What makes you think I have any advice to offer?”

“Tw…twenty years of marriage my love.”

“It’s only been nineteen years. And I’m not sure I like what you just implied…but if you want Hadrian to do something for himself, then you need to get him to think he is doing it for another.”

Khalid pondered this for a moment before smiling in understanding. “What would I d…do without you love?” Khalid paused just long enough to give his wife a small kiss on the cheek before heading off towards the tree where Garrick was practicing his music.

Jaheira brushed the place where she had been kissed. “Pray you never have to find out dear husband.”

#2 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 02:03 AM

What a sweet chapter! I especially liked Garrick and his lute :shock:

And, of course, I am curious as to the nature of Dynaheir's ill-fated former love life ;)

#3 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 06:54 AM

"Women love us for our defects. If we have enough of them, they will forgive us everything, even our gigantic intellects."
-- Oscar Wilde


He didn’t have any clue whatsoever about women, did he.

His wife Jaheira was also a strange person, all stern looks, and hard shell. She recalled the look of grudging respect she earned from Jaheira when she insisted others be healed before her. The brash attitude aside Dynaheir felt she and Jaheira could be friends given time. They were much alike, both driven, determined, and guarded with their emotions.


Maybe so, though Jaheira never was as insufferably righteous. Not to mention that my thoughts on Rashemen and the Witches themselves… don’t get me started. ;)

“I have scouted this valley, and the one to the west as well, and the trail we used to come to this place. The evil doggie people do not follow us.”


I am sure they are intelligent enough to understand that there are easier targets out there.

“I will try, Boo will remind me. Boo says that he is a good man. Boo also says that talking about the way he talks is rude.”


Boo is a hamster brimming with kindness and empathy. :P

Over the last few months, he has taken to believing he is undertaking his dejemma, a ritual journey to manhood, seeking adventure and glory in battle and that part of this trial is to be her bodyguard. There were times Dynaheir wished his delusions were true, that there truly was an Ice Dragon berserker lodge in the forests of Rasheman awaiting his triumphant return.


But… there was a lodge like that back in Rasheman! :shock: At least according to the sourcebook.

“No Minsc, you will follow these good people and do what they think is best. Will you promise me that?”


Well, good thing that their plans will coincide on this point.

Long minutes passed in silence before Hadrian said, “Everything is easier when you keep moving, when you have something to do. This sitting still…”


He needs a hobby… better one than poking stones with a stick. :D

“Well little lady,” he said addressing his harp, “What should we play for them?” He paused for a moment listening to a songbird in the tree above him. “A love song you say? Well, why not? So long as you know, you will always me my first love. Women may come and go, but, you little lady, I know you will always be with me.” Garrick’s hands began a slow lamenting ballad of first love.

Competent Garrick… aaaah! He still scares me. ;)

Khalid pondered this for a moment before smiling in understanding. “What would I d…do without you love?” Khalid paused just long enough to give his wife a small kiss on the cheek before heading off towards the tree where Garrick was practicing his music.


Jaheira brushed the place where she had been kissed. “Pray you never have to find out dear husband.”


Well, he won’t… she will, though. :D

#4 Guest_Ananke_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 09:17 AM

(1) This is a comparatively complex motivation you've given Dynaheir for travelling with Minsc. I think I'm loving it... I take it that the reason she feels useless right now is because the gnolls were not kind enough to kidnap her together with her spell-book/spell components and whatnot? :D

(2) All in all, I'm impressed with how your people seem real people, and not just a bunch of comments thrown at one another - you've already replied to this, or very similar, observation a couple of chapters ago, I think - when you said that part about how you want to write in detail, given how the storyline is known? Still, I just wanted to repeat that I'm impressed. :roll:

(3) And I absolutely loved Garrick with the harp.

Thank you! :lol:

#5 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 10:29 AM

What a sweet chapter! I especially liked Garrick and his lute :D

Thanks.

That is good to know considering it thought that part was incredibly weak. I guess we rally can’t be judges of our own works

And, of course, I am curious as to the nature of Dynaheir's ill-fated former love life :roll:

All will be revealed in good time…so be patient.

#6 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 10:40 AM


"Women love us for our defects. If we have enough of them, they will forgive us everything, even our gigantic intellects."
-- Oscar Wilde


He didn’t have any clue whatsoever about women, did he.

Actually I think of him as rather insightful.

Fro my own experience woman are never happier than when caring for an incompetent man. I have a small gathering of women who look out for me and make sure I don’t screw up EVERYTHING in my life.

His wife Jaheira was also a strange person, all stern looks, and hard shell. She recalled the look of grudging respect she earned from Jaheira when she insisted others be healed before her. The brash attitude aside Dynaheir felt she and Jaheira could be friends given time. They were much alike, both driven, determined, and guarded with their emotions.


Maybe so, though Jaheira never was as insufferably righteous. Not to mention that my thoughts on Rashemen and the Witches themselves… don’t get me started. :roll:

Never insufferably righteous???? Have you met Jaheira?


“I have scouted this valley, and the one to the west as well, and the trail we used to come to this place. The evil doggie people do not follow us.”


I am sure they are intelligent enough to understand that there are easier targets out there.

The pile of dead and dying gnolls should have been a clue to them.

“I will try, Boo will remind me. Boo says that he is a good man. Boo also says that talking about the way he talks is rude.”


Boo is a hamster brimming with kindness and empathy. :)

All giant space hamsters are well versed in etiquette, even the miniature ones.



Over the last few months, he has taken to believing he is undertaking his dejemma, a ritual journey to manhood, seeking adventure and glory in battle and that part of this trial is to be her bodyguard. There were times Dynaheir wished his delusions were true, that there truly was an Ice Dragon berserker lodge in the forests of Rasheman awaiting his triumphant return.


But… there was a lodge like that back in Rasheman! :D At least according to the sourcebook.

Well I don’t have the sourcebook…you construct your universe to suit your needs, I’ll construct mine to suit mine.



“No Minsc, you will follow these good people and do what they think is best. Will you promise me that?”


Well, good thing that their plans will coincide on this point.

At one point I pondered the possibility of Dynaheir running away, leaving Minsc in the care of Hadrian and friends. A possibility still on the table.


Long minutes passed in silence before Hadrian said, “Everything is easier when you keep moving, when you have something to do. This sitting still…”


He needs a hobby… better one than poking stones with a stick. ;)

Stamp collecting? Macramé? Authoring his own web comic?

“Well little lady,” he said addressing his harp, “What should we play for them?” He paused for a moment listening to a songbird in the tree above him. “A love song you say? Well, why not? So long as you know, you will always me my first love. Women may come and go, but, you little lady, I know you will always be with me.” Garrick’s hands began a slow lamenting ballad of first love.

Competent Garrick… aaaah! He still scares me. :lol:

New things need not be scarry.

Khalid pondered this for a moment before smiling in understanding. “What would I d…do without you love?” Khalid paused just long enough to give his wife a small kiss on the cheek before heading off towards the tree where Garrick was practicing his music.


Jaheira brushed the place where she had been kissed. “Pray you never have to find out dear husband.”


Well, he won’t… she will, though. :)

true...all too true

#7 Guest_Futurist_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 10:48 AM

Very interesting chapter and I like your take on Minsc. So he is not actually on a Dajemma but has simply confused himself into believing it. I feel sorry for him.

Loved the brooding stone poking as well. Especially Imoen coming and mimicking Hadrian.

#8 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 10:49 AM

(1) This is a comparatively complex motivation you've given Dynaheir for travelling with Minsc. I think I'm loving it...

There is more. someday soon I will put out the backstory I have of those two…but not right now…it would give away to many plot points.



I take it that the reason she feels useless right now is because the gnolls were not kind enough to kidnap her together with her spell-book/spell components and whatnot? :D

More to do with being an outsider to the group. Tue the group is only days old…Think of it like being the new kid in school and you want to hang out with the cool kids…but they already have their own group and group dynamics and while they haven’t rejected you…they haven’t made you welcome either.


(2) All in all, I'm impressed with how your people seem real people, and not just a bunch of comments thrown at one another - you've already replied to this, or very similar, observation a couple of chapters ago, I think - when you said that part about how you want to write in detail, given how the storyline is known? Still, I just wanted to repeat that I'm impressed. :roll:

To me these are real people, and they constantly harass me to remind me of that fact.

(3) And I absolutely loved Garrick with the harp.

Thank you! :lol:

Thanks.

Again…I am glad I included it

#9 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 10:56 AM

Very interesting chapter and I like your take on Minsc. So he is not actually on a Dajemma but has simply confused himself into believing it. I feel sorry for him.

It stems from my own inability to wrap my head around the notion of Minsc as a member of a professional warrior association.


And ofr some reason I sort of like him in the role of a victim of his own limitations.
Of course he is oblivious to his own limitations…so don’t feel sorry for him.

Loved the brooding stone poking as well. Especially Imoen coming and mimicking Hadrian.

Well it is her prerogative as his sister.

And who better to get under his skin and ultimately understand him

#10 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 11:51 AM


His wife Jaheira was also a strange person, all stern looks, and hard shell. She recalled the look of grudging respect she earned from Jaheira when she insisted others be healed before her. The brash attitude aside Dynaheir felt she and Jaheira could be friends given time. They were much alike, both driven, determined, and guarded with their emotions.


Maybe so, though Jaheira never was as insufferably righteous. Not to mention that my thoughts on Rashemen and the Witches themselves… don’t get me started. :D

Never insufferably righteous???? Have you met Jaheira?


Jaheira can be very insufferable, but not in the same righteous way as Dynaheir. "For Right! And I always am!" Dynaheir's battle cry is very Miko-like, when you think of it.

#11 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 07 June 2007 - 05:04 PM


His wife Jaheira was also a strange person, all stern looks, and hard shell. She recalled the look of grudging respect she earned from Jaheira when she insisted others be healed before her. The brash attitude aside Dynaheir felt she and Jaheira could be friends given time. They were much alike, both driven, determined, and guarded with their emotions.


Maybe so, though Jaheira never was as insufferably righteous. Not to mention that my thoughts on Rashemen and the Witches themselves… don’t get me started. :D

Never insufferably righteous???? Have you met Jaheira?


Jaheira can be very insufferable, but not in the same righteous way as Dynaheir. "For Right! And I always am!" Dynaheir's battle cry is very Miko-like, when you think of it.

And according to the BG1 soundest Khalid soiled his pants regularly. Its really better to ignore such things




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

Skin Designed By Evanescence at IBSkin.com