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Songs Left Unsung Part 4


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#1 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 17 August 2003 - 10:28 PM

Wow, four chapters done and I'm still managing to keep up with my one chapter a week schedule. (This may not sound like much compared with some of the more prolific writers around here, but for me it's pretty impressive :lol: ). Not only that, but I've finally got round to thinking about the final chapter of Hidden Dangers again - hopefully I'll get that written in the next couple of weeks as well. If I can keep this up I might even end up with one of those mysterious 'backlogs' I've heard so much about!

This chapter has a bit less angst and a bit more action for a change - although be assured that there is plenty of angst still to come ;)

Songs Left Unsung Part 4: Lost And Found

Garrick sits glumly on a table in the basement of the Five Flagons, listening to the rest of the party arguing and watching with a kind of numb fascination the shimmering of the strange portal through which Haer'Dalis and the rest of the Sigil troupe vanished not five minutes ago.

He feels very tired and rather light headed - it is evening, and they have spent the day walking all over the city making contacts, following up rumours of possible quests, trading equipment and so forth. Walking all day in the hot sun whilst carrying a heavy bag of supplies is hardly Garrick's idea of fun, and by mid afternoon he was eyeing longingly every tavern and every patch of shade they passed. Upon reaching the inn he would have been quite happy to go straight to bed, but unfortunately Haer'Dalis' disappearance has rather scuppered that plan.

He has given up trying to join in with the 'discussion' that the others are having, since it appears to have degenerated into a shouting match. From his training as a singer he knows better than to risk his voice by yelling himself hoarse, and in any case he suspects that he would be no match for either Yavana or Jaheira who are the main participants in the argument. Or, for that matter, for Minsc, who is bellowing something about 'making evil quiver like a rancid jelly', which seems to have little relevance to anything but is certainly adding a great deal to the noise level.

Yoshimo however seems to have joined him in recognising the futility of trying to interfere, and has retreated to the other side of the room from where he catches Garrick's eye and gives a resigned shrug. Garrick returns the gesture, and returns to staring at the portal. It is strangely hypnotic, watching the patterns appear on its surface and swirling around and forming anew. Bright patches, dark patches, they all merge and reform and spin and change shape...he could sit there for ever, watching it and letting the rest of the world slip away and letting the patterns blur as his eyes slowly close....

"Garrick! Wake up and get on your feet. We're going through after him."

He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.

Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.

He has heard the story of how Haer came to join the party, freed from a life of mindless slavery when Yavana fought and slew his captor whom she had encountered by chance when her group had blundered into his sewer hideout, and he was also aware that Haer had prior to that been a member of the theatre troupe performing at the Five Flagons inn. But he was still taken completely by surprise, as were the rest of the party, when the tiefling announced this afternoon that the troupe intended leaving the Prime Material and that he intended to go with them.

This not unnaturally sparked a bitter row with Yavana, with her accusing him of abandoning her in her time of need, and enquiring why her company had suddenly become so unbearable that he felt he had to travel the planes to escape it. Far from being apologetic, Haer'Dalis simply explained that it had always been his intention to leave once the leader of the Sigil troupe - one Raelis Shai - had acquired a means of planar travel, and that whilst he had no regrets about the month or so he had spent travelling with Yavana it was now time for him to move on. Yavana - who had been in a bad mood all day in any case, snapping at Garrick and the others whenever they had complained of being tired - did not take this well at all, and although she had agreed to accompany Haer to the Flagons she had made her displeasure very clear indeed.

Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit.

His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.

In any case, the tiefling's motives had turned out to be immaterial; for no sooner had the planar portal been opened than a bounty hunter emerged through it and seized all of the actors along with Haer'Dalis. Where they are now is unknown - and the only way to find out is to enter the portal after them, which Yavana has just decreed it is her intention to do immediately regardless of the fact that most of the group are in need of rest. Garrick has a bad, bad feeling about this, and he suspects that most of the others feel the same way, but then Yavana leaps through the gate and vanishes from his sight and he realises he has no choice but to follow.

Uncertain of what to expect, he instinctively closes his eyes tight as he jumps through, but it feels no different to jumping through air. He feels briefly disoriented as the sounds and smells of the Five Flagons cut off suddenly, and the transition from the warmth of the inn to the chill of wherever he is now makes him shiver. His feet hit the ground, but the ground is not quite where he expected it to be and he lands awkwardly, twisting his right ankle painfully. He curses and makes a mental note to keep his eyes open next time, but then he looks up and realises that a sprained ankle is the least of his worries.

There are a group of men and snake like creatures moving towards him and Yavana, and they do not appear friendly. Yavana is already incanting a spell, backing slowly away as she does so. Hastily Garrick draws his sword and holds it in front of him, trying to appear threatening as he hops sideways away from the portal.

He gets out of the way just in time, for Minsc comes hurtling through at speed and crashes straight into the oncoming foes. Yavana finishes chanting and stretches forth a hand, and a bolt of fire leaps out from her fingertips towards one of the men attacking her. As his clothes begin to burn he quickly loses interest in the battle, and is shortly rolling desperately around on the floor trying to put the flames out.

Seeing that the attackers have rather lost their momentum, Garrick drops his sword and unslings his crossbow from his back. He fumbles for the quiver of bolts strapped to his leg, but by now Jaheira and Yoshimo have both joined the fight and by the time he finally has the weapon ready to fire three of the enemies are down already. He looks for a suitable target, but the fight has turned into one big melee battle and he is reluctant to fire into it for fear of hitting one of his friends. Yavana appears to be having a similar problem, for she is standing ready to unleash another spell but isn't actually casting.

He allows himself to be distracted for a moment by the sight of her, with her long black hair hanging loose over her shoulders and a determined look in her dark eyes as she watches the fight. Her blue robe is travel stained and her face is smeared with dust and the odd bloodstain from a cut she sustained whilst fighting off some thugs earlier in the day, but he thinks she has never looked more beautiful. This is really not the time to be thinking of such things though...he switches his attention back to the fight, and as one of the snake creatues is knocked backwards by a heavy blow from Minsc he manages to catch it in the face with a crossbow bolt. It sways as the bolt hits, and then Minsc's follow up blow decapitates it neatly and its body falls to the ground.

Only two foes remain now, and they are hard pressed - Garrick decides that he will be needed no more in this battle, and glances sideways at Yavana once more, just in time to see a figure materialise behind her and plunge a barbed dagger deep into her back.

He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs.

He drops the crossbow and grabs frantically for his opponent's knife hand, deflecting the thrust so that the blow intended for his face only grazes his arm. But the other man is stronger than he is and not suffering from a twisted ankle, and in only a moment Garrick finds himself pinned down, in danger of losing his grip on the man's wrist.

There is a moment of pure terror when all he can think about is that he is about to die, but then he is suddenly splattered with blood, and his enemy's body goes limp as the tip of Yoshimo's katana appears through his neck. He slumps back, gasping for breath, and as Yoshimo pulls the corpse off him he realises that he is shaking, and then he turns his head to one side and retches uncontrollably.

 

They have won the fight, but they have not escaped unscathed. Yavana is conscious, but still unable to rise as Jaheira kneels beside her chanting a healing spell. Garrick sits leaning against the wall, his ankle throbbing painfully as he watches Yoshimo skilfully bandage up a nasty looking cut on Minsc's leg. His discarded crossbow lies beside him, the frame splintered in a dozen places and no longer of any use to anyone except as firewood.

Yoshimo finishes with Minsc and walks over to Garrick, flashing him a quizzical look.

"If all of that blood is yours, my friend, then you have made a truly remarkable recovery."

Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.

Fortunately none of it is his, bar a small trickle from the cut on his arm, and he reassures Yoshimo of this. His ankle, though, is more of a worry - if he doesn't get some healing he doubts he's going to be able to walk anywhere for a day or two.

Yoshimo glances over at Jaheira and frowns.

"Alas, I fear our druid must be nearly out of spells by now. But fortunately I am never without a potion or two for such emergencies."

Garrick drinks gratefully of the proffered healing potion, and before long discovers that he can stand unaided although his ankle still feels a little stiff. He stoppers the potion and returns it to the thief, aware that they might well have more need of it before long. It has escaped no one's notice that the portal through which they arrived vanished as soon as the last guard was slain, and now they are stuck in this unknown place with no idea of how to get back.

Yoshimo slips off to scout, leaving Garrick to mooch around wishing that Jaheira would hurry up and finish treating Yavana's wound. He almost wishes he could go with the Kozakuran, but he knows that he would only slow him down. But just to have any kind of clue as to where they are would be nice - the small room they are in at the moment is fairly nondescript, and gives little away. The walls seem to merge into the floor, as if the whole room is one complete structure, and they are made of no substance that Garrick can recognise - to his mind these are not good signs, and he wants to get going and look for a way out as soon as possible.

When Yoshimo does eventually return, he looks grim and a little worried.

"It seems that this place is a prison, a holding plane for those brought in by the bounty hunters. The warden, a cambion of some kind, controls the ways in - and the ways back out."

There is a moment's silence as everyone takes in his words. Yavana, who is now sitting up weakly, enquires as to the source of his knowledge.

"One of the prisoners told me. They are mostly restrained by magical collars, but this one had somehow escaped that. His only suggestion was that if can somehow free the other slaves, then together we might be able to fight the cambion and perhaps secure a way out. But we must move soon, before more guards come - it is likely they already know that we are here."

"Then that is what we shall do." Yavana says firmly. "I just need another minute, and then we can leave. You and Garrick keep watch, make sure we are not surprised here."

She looks weak and pale, and Garrick gives her a worried look but she just ignores him. He wanders over to stand with Yoshimo near the room exit, scowling as he does so.

"Thank you Garrick, for saving me," he says sarcastically. "I apologise, everyone, for landing you all in this mess when we could all be sleeping peacefully in nice warm beds by now."

Yoshimo grins at him. "Come, my young friend, do not think so badly of her. She is tired and hurt, and she is worried for our missing companion. Likely she will thank you after we are all out of this place."

Garrick grunts. "She should be worried about us, not about that damned tiefling."

"Do not let this get to you so. We will need all of our concentration if we are to survive this adventure."

He scowls again. "I know, I know. It's just that...not so long ago she was worrying about me being in danger. Now she barely seems to care." He stops, but Yoshimo seems a willing listener so after a while he goes on talking.

"There was this time...I'd been travelling with her for a month or so, we were just out of Nashkel. We met this creature, a nymph I think it was. It...she...kissed me."

Yoshimo nods. "I have heard of them, though I have never met one. Their kiss sucks away your soul, your mind, everything that is you, leaving only an empty husk. So how is that you still live?"

"She only half killed me. I don't really understand - I blacked out, I don't remember. But somehow she was persuaded to bring me back, and when I woke up Yavana was bending over me looking right into my eyes, and then she hugged me...it was the first time I was sure she really cared for me in that way. And now it's just hard to accept that she doesn't any more."

Yoshimo looks about to offer some words of comfort, but then he sees that Yavana is back on her feet and approaching them, and wisely keeps his mouth shut. It is time to move on. Time to head off into the unknown in search of an escape route that may not even exist. Definitely the sort of adventure to enjoy looking back on rather than enjoy being on, Garrick decides. He just hopes he survives to be able to look back on it.

 

Sitting in the Five Flagons the following afternoon, he supposes it wasn't such a bad adventure all things considered. They succeeded in freeing the slaves and defeating the cambion, and with the aid of Raelis Shai and some other mages who were among the freed prisoners they had opened a gate back to Athkatla, which Garrick had never thought he would be so glad to see again.

And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. To be honest, when all of this happened last night Garrick was really past caring, all that he wanted was to get home and get some sleep. Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment.

But Garrick is feeling surprisingly calm about all of this - after all that has happened he is exceedingly grateful to be alive and to be back on the Prime Material, and as he sits beside a warm fire with a glass of wine in his hand he is more content than he has been for a long while. There is also a certain sense of smugness that whatever Haer'Dalis may have going for him, he is yet to save Yavana's life, so Garrick is one up on him there.

She has finally thanked him for it, and that is enough to make him feel pretty good about himself for once. Maybe after this she will stop acting so distant towards him, will allow him to be her friend again if nothing else. And then maybe eventually she will come to see that Haer'Dalis does not truly care for her, and then maybe he will get another chance...at any rate, he is coming to believe that there may be some cause for hope. The tiefling has not won her yet.

The excitement and the tiredness and his good mood have helped to put all of his other worries out of his mind for once, and he is feeling as relaxed as he has in as long time. In a small corner of his mind he knows that this won't last, that he can't ignore his problems forever - but for the moment he is happy to do so. The fire is warm, the wine is pleasantly chilled, and his mind is at rest. Life, for a short while at least, is glorious.

 

Hope you liked it. Next chapter in a week's time will see Garrick and co. encountering Bodhi for the first time :cry: .

#2 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 18 August 2003 - 12:05 AM

[quote] Wow, four chapters done and I'm still managing to keep up with my one chapter a week schedule. (This may not sound like much compared with some of the more prolific writers around here, but for me it's pretty impressive ). Not only that, but I've finally got round to thinking about the final chapter of Hidden Dangers again - hopefully I'll get that written in the next couple of weeks as well. If I can keep this up I might even end up with one of those mysterious 'backlogs' I've heard so much about! [/quote]
Never sacrifice quality for quantity.


[quote] He has given up trying to join in with the 'discussion' that the others are having, since it appears to have degenerated into a shouting match. From his training as a singer he knows better than to risk his voice by yelling himself hoarse, and in any case he suspects that he would be no match for either Yavana or Jaheira who are the main participants in the argument. Or, for that matter, for Minsc, who is bellowing something about 'making evil quiver like a rancid jelly', which seems to have little relevance to anything but is certainly adding a great deal to the noise level. [/quote]
In a group like this I can only imagine the arguments become VERY loud indeed.

[quote] Yoshimo however seems to have joined him in recognising the futility of trying to interfere, and has retreated to the other side of the room from where he catches Garrick's eye and gives a resigned shrug. Garrick returns the gesture, and returns to staring at the portal. [/quote]
As if there is some doubt about the outcome of the argument.
[quote] Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest. [/quote]
Haer’s goals have always been a bit murkey. :(

[quote] Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit. [/quote]
I think that is a rather accurate assessment of Haer’s motives.

[quote] His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more. [/quote]
Naaaa go ahead, be harsh. Yoshimo will likely agree, of course Yoshi has his own reasons for wanting Haer gone. :cry:

[quote] In any case, the tiefling's motives had turned out to be immaterial; for no sooner had the planar portal been opened than a bounty hunter emerged through it and seized all of the actors along with Haer'Dalis. Where they are now is unknown - and the only way to find out is to enter the portal after them, which Yavana has just decreed it is her intention to do immediately regardless of the fact that most of the group are in need of rest. Garrick has a bad, bad feeling about this, and he suspects that most of the others feel the same way, but then Yavana leaps through the gate and vanishes from his sight and he realises he has no choice but to follow. [/quote]
Trust those feelings boy. After all when was the last time that this group landed somewhere friendly and hospitable?

[quote] Seeing that the attackers have rather lost their momentum, Garrick drops his sword and unslings his crossbow from his back. He fumbles for the quiver of bolts strapped to his leg, but by now Jaheira and Yoshimo have both joined the fight and by the time he finally has the weapon ready to fire three of the enemies are down already. He looks for a suitable target, but the fight has turned into one big melee battle and he is reluctant to fire into it for fear of hitting one of his friends. Yavana appears to be having a similar problem, for she is standing ready to unleash another spell but isn't actually casting. [/quote]
I have always thought that firing into a heated battle would probably do more harm than good.

[quote]He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs. [/quote]
Well that works too. ;)

[quote] Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff. [/quote]
Don’t worry, Wal-Mart will be having a sale next week.

[quote] "Alas, I fear our druid must be nearly out of spells by now. But fortunately I am never without a potion or two for such emergencies." [/quote]
And Garrik doesn’t’? Never go into battle without a couple blue bottles. I personally think that they have a minty taste.

[quote] "Thank you Garrick, for saving me," he says sarcastically. "I apologise, everyone, for landing you all in this mess when we could all be sleeping peacefully in nice warm beds by now." [/quote]
One of the lesser known perils of leadership is the sarcasm one must endure form the enlisted men.

[quote] "There was this time...I'd been travelling with her for a month or so, we were just out of Nashkel. We met this creature, a nymph I think it was. It...she...kissed me." [/quote]
You always remember your first soul sucking kiss… *sigh* But never your last.

[quote] "She only half killed me. I don't really understand - I blacked out, I don't remember. But somehow she was persuaded to bring me back, and when I woke up Yavana was bending over me looking right into my eyes, and then she hugged me...it was the first time I was sure she really cared for me in that way. And now it's just hard to accept that she doesn't any more." [/quote]
Well don’t give up hope Garrik, you can always find a nice Paladin babe down at the order of the radiant heart. Oh….wait….forget I said that. :lol:

[quote] And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. [/quote]
Well you can’t have everything.
[quote] Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment. [/quote]
Yeah we knew it.

[quote] She has finally thanked him for it, and that is enough to make him feel pretty good about himself for once. Maybe after this she will stop acting so distant towards him, will allow him to be her friend again if nothing else. And then maybe eventually she will come to see that Haer'Dalis does not truly care for her, and then maybe he will get another chance...at any rate, he is coming to believe that there may be some cause for hope. The tiefling has not won her yet. [quote]
The “more angst” comment by Bjorn kind of rules that option out thou.

[quote]
Hope you liked it. Next chapter in a week's time will see Garrick and co. encountering Bodhi for the first time .[/quote]

Maybe a second soul sucking kiss is in Garrik’s future.

#3 Laufey

Posted 18 August 2003 - 04:01 AM

He feels very tired and rather light headed - it is evening, and they have spent the day walking all over the city making contacts, following up rumours of possible quests, trading equipment and so forth. Walking all day in the hot sun whilst carrying a heavy bag of supplies is hardly Garrick's idea of fun, and by mid afternoon he was eyeing longingly every tavern and every patch of shade they passed. Upon reaching the inn he would have been quite happy to go straight to bed, but unfortunately Haer'Dalis' disappearance has rather scuppered that plan.


I agree with Garrick...heat isn't much fun.

He has given up trying to join in with the 'discussion' that the others are having, since it appears to have degenerated into a shouting match. From his training as a singer he knows better than to risk his voice by yelling himself hoarse, and in any case he suspects that he would be no match for either Yavana or Jaheira who are the main participants in the argument. Or, for that matter, for Minsc, who is bellowing something about 'making evil quiver like a rancid jelly', which seems to have little relevance to anything but is certainly adding a great deal to the noise level.


LOL! Minsc does tend to raise the volume.


Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit.



His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


Nice description of jealousy here, very believable.


"If all of that blood is yours, my friend, then you have made a truly remarkable recovery."


Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.


I recommend cold water, that is the best way I find. :)


"There was this time...I'd been travelling with her for a month or so, we were just out of Nashkel. We met this creature, a nymph I think it was. It...she...kissed me."


Yoshimo nods. "I have heard of them, though I have never met one. Their kiss sucks away your soul, your mind, everything that is you, leaving only an empty husk. So how is that you still live?"


"She only half killed me. I don't really understand - I blacked out, I don't remember. But somehow she was persuaded to bring me back, and when I woke up Yavana was bending over me looking right into my eyes, and then she hugged me...it was the first time I was sure she really cared for me in that way. And now it's just hard to accept that she doesn't any more."


Ah...I truly feel sorry for him here.


The excitement and the tiredness and his good mood have helped to put all of his other worries out of his mind for once, and he is feeling as relaxed as he has in as long time. In a small corner of his mind he knows that this won't last, that he can't ignore his problems forever - but for the moment he is happy to do so. The fire is warm, the wine is pleasantly chilled, and his mind is at rest. Life, for a short while at least, is glorious.


And bouncing back already I see! :P Will be interesting to see how the little jealousy thing plays out.
Rogues do it from behind.

#4 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 18 August 2003 - 07:48 AM

Wow, four chapters done and I'm still managing to keep up with my one chapter a week schedule. (This may not sound like much compared with some of the more prolific writers around here, but for me it's pretty impressive :) ). Not only that, but I've finally got round to thinking about the final chapter of Hidden Dangers again - hopefully I'll get that written in the next couple of weeks as well. If I can keep this up I might even end up with one of those mysterious 'backlogs' I've heard so much about!


Err... I'll keep my mouth shut, I think. :P

He has given up trying to join in with the 'discussion' that the others are having, since it appears to have degenerated into a shouting match. From his training as a singer he knows better than to risk his voice by yelling himself hoarse, and in any case he suspects that he would be no match for either Yavana or Jaheira who are the main participants in the argument. Or, for that matter, for Minsc, who is bellowing something about 'making evil quiver like a rancid jelly', which seems to have little relevance to anything but is certainly adding a great deal to the noise level.


Ooh, I see that poor Jaheira has ended up with another reckless Bhaalspawn that is about to jump into that mysterious portal to save Haer. Trying to convince Yavana is probably a lost cause, though.

He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.


:)

This not unnaturally sparked a bitter row with Yavana, with her accusing him of abandoning her in her time of need, and enquiring why her company had suddenly become so unbearable that he felt he had to travel the planes to escape it. Far from being apologetic, Haer'Dalis simply explained that it had always been his intention to leave once the leader of the Sigil troupe - one Raelis Shai - had acquired a means of planar travel, and that whilst he had no regrets about the month or so he had spent travelling with Yavana it was now time for him to move on. Yavana - who had been in a bad mood all day in any case, snapping at Garrick and the others whenever they had complained of being tired - did not take this well at all, and although she had agreed to accompany Haer to the Flagons she had made her displeasure very clear indeed.


Ah, I see her reasons. But she did change her mind, I guess - otherwise why would there be all the arguing as I don't think that Jaheira would be all that eager to jump after Haer in that mysterious portal... :)

His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


Indeed, that is such a typical thinking of a jealous male. :)

In any case, the tiefling's motives had turned out to be immaterial; for no sooner had the planar portal been opened than a bounty hunter emerged through it and seized all of the actors along with Haer'Dalis. Where they are now is unknown - and the only way to find out is to enter the portal after them, which Yavana has just decreed it is her intention to do immediately regardless of the fact that most of the group are in need of rest. Garrick has a bad, bad feeling about this, and he suspects that most of the others feel the same way, but then Yavana leaps through the gate and vanishes from his sight and he realises he has no choice but to follow.


As I said... another reckless Bhaalspawn. Must be a common trait.

Seeing that the attackers have rather lost their momentum, Garrick drops his sword and unslings his crossbow from his back. He fumbles for the quiver of bolts strapped to his leg, but by now Jaheira and Yoshimo have both joined the fight and by the time he finally has the weapon ready to fire three of the enemies are down already. He looks for a suitable target, but the fight has turned into one big melee battle and he is reluctant to fire into it for fear of hitting one of his friends. Yavana appears to be having a similar problem, for she is standing ready to unleash another spell but isn't actually casting.


Nice. The fight can be pretty annoying because of that one yuan-ti mage - in my last game he managed to hit Eddie with Stun+Finger Of Death... its a very dangerous place, really.

He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs.


:D I suppose he couldn't get off a shot with crossbow, being worried that he might hit Yavana...

Yoshimo glances over at Jaheira and frowns.


"Alas, I fear our druid must be nearly out of spells by now. But fortunately I am never without a potion or two for such emergencies."


Ah, Jaheira is the only healer... it's quite possible to pull it off, but I think she is better used offensively, rather than for buffing/healing. So... perhaps adding a... cleric?

"Thank you Garrick, for saving me," he says sarcastically. "I apologise, everyone, for landing you all in this mess when we could all be sleeping peacefully in nice warm beds by now."


Yoshimo grins at him. "Come, my young friend, do not think so badly of her. She is tired and hurt, and she is worried for our missing companion. Likely she will thank you after we are all out of this place."


Garrick grunts. "She should be worried about us, not about that damned tiefling."


Well, technically he is one of them, so... but I understand the poor guy... :(

"There was this time...I'd been travelling with her for a month or so, we were just out of Nashkel. We met this creature, a nymph I think it was. It...she...kissed me."


I usually make Khalid (or even Jaheira :) ) kiss the nymph... the reaction from the other side is so... touching. :)

And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. To be honest, when all of this happened last night Garrick was really past caring, all that he wanted was to get home and get some sleep. Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment.


Blergh. Somebody, make Yavana open her eyes and see what a skunk Haer really is...

#5 Weyoun

Posted 18 August 2003 - 09:20 AM

He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.


Hmmm, I think Garrick, Haerry and Minsc could form an interesting band of musicians, for some reason. :P

Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.


Poor Garrick. :)

Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit.


His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


And keeping it all inside... until he explodes in anger, that is.

He allows himself to be distracted for a moment by the sight of her, with her long black hair hanging loose over her shoulders and a determined look in her dark eyes as she watches the fight. Her blue robe is travel stained and her face is smeared with dust and the odd bloodstain from a cut she sustained whilst fighting off some thugs earlier in the day, but he thinks she has never looked more beautiful. This is really not the time to be thinking of such things though...he switches his attention back to the fight, and as one of the snake creatues is knocked backwards by a heavy blow from Minsc he manages to catch it in the face with a crossbow bolt. It sways as the bolt hits, and then Minsc's follow up blow decapitates it neatly and its body falls to the ground.


Wow, nice fight-scenes!


Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.


Well, I guess now he has to bargain for washing powder, I'm afraid. :)

Sitting in the Five Flagons the following afternoon, he supposes it wasn't such a bad adventure all things considered. They succeeded in freeing the slaves and defeating the cambion, and with the aid of Raelis Shai and some other mages who were among the freed prisoners they had opened a gate back to Athkatla, which Garrick had never thought he would be so glad to see again.


And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. To be honest, when all of this happened last night Garrick was really past caring, all that he wanted was to get home and get some sleep. Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment.


Awww, poor Garrick. :)

The excitement and the tiredness and his good mood have helped to put all of his other worries out of his mind for once, and he is feeling as relaxed as he has in as long time. In a small corner of his mind he knows that this won't last, that he can't ignore his problems forever - but for the moment he is happy to do so. The fire is warm, the wine is pleasantly chilled, and his mind is at rest. Life, for a short while at least, is glorious.


 


Hope you liked it. Next chapter in a week's time will see Garrick and co. encountering Bodhi for the first time :) .


Oh, I did like it! I'm really rooting for Garrick here!

Great stuff,
---Weyoun
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#6 Weyoun

Posted 18 August 2003 - 09:26 AM

He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.


Hmmm, I think Garrick, Haerry and Minsc could form an interesting band of musicians, for some reason. :P

Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.


Poor Garrick. :)

Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit.


His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


And keeping it all inside... until he explodes in anger, that is.

He allows himself to be distracted for a moment by the sight of her, with her long black hair hanging loose over her shoulders and a determined look in her dark eyes as she watches the fight. Her blue robe is travel stained and her face is smeared with dust and the odd bloodstain from a cut she sustained whilst fighting off some thugs earlier in the day, but he thinks she has never looked more beautiful. This is really not the time to be thinking of such things though...he switches his attention back to the fight, and as one of the snake creatues is knocked backwards by a heavy blow from Minsc he manages to catch it in the face with a crossbow bolt. It sways as the bolt hits, and then Minsc's follow up blow decapitates it neatly and its body falls to the ground.


Wow, nice fight-scenes!


Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.


Well, I guess now he has to bargain for washing powder, I'm afraid. :)

Sitting in the Five Flagons the following afternoon, he supposes it wasn't such a bad adventure all things considered. They succeeded in freeing the slaves and defeating the cambion, and with the aid of Raelis Shai and some other mages who were among the freed prisoners they had opened a gate back to Athkatla, which Garrick had never thought he would be so glad to see again.


And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. To be honest, when all of this happened last night Garrick was really past caring, all that he wanted was to get home and get some sleep. Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment.


Awww, poor Garrick. :)

The excitement and the tiredness and his good mood have helped to put all of his other worries out of his mind for once, and he is feeling as relaxed as he has in as long time. In a small corner of his mind he knows that this won't last, that he can't ignore his problems forever - but for the moment he is happy to do so. The fire is warm, the wine is pleasantly chilled, and his mind is at rest. Life, for a short while at least, is glorious.


 


Hope you liked it. Next chapter in a week's time will see Garrick and co. encountering Bodhi for the first time :) .


Oh, I did like it! I'm really rooting for Garrick here!

Great stuff,
---Weyoun
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#7 Weyoun

Posted 18 August 2003 - 09:26 AM

He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.


Hmmm, I think Garrick, Haerry and Minsc could form an interesting band of musicians, for some reason. :P

Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.


Poor Garrick. :)

Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit.


His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


And keeping it all inside... until he explodes in anger, that is.

He allows himself to be distracted for a moment by the sight of her, with her long black hair hanging loose over her shoulders and a determined look in her dark eyes as she watches the fight. Her blue robe is travel stained and her face is smeared with dust and the odd bloodstain from a cut she sustained whilst fighting off some thugs earlier in the day, but he thinks she has never looked more beautiful. This is really not the time to be thinking of such things though...he switches his attention back to the fight, and as one of the snake creatues is knocked backwards by a heavy blow from Minsc he manages to catch it in the face with a crossbow bolt. It sways as the bolt hits, and then Minsc's follow up blow decapitates it neatly and its body falls to the ground.


Wow, nice fight-scenes!


Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.


Well, I guess now he has to bargain for washing powder, I'm afraid. :)

Sitting in the Five Flagons the following afternoon, he supposes it wasn't such a bad adventure all things considered. They succeeded in freeing the slaves and defeating the cambion, and with the aid of Raelis Shai and some other mages who were among the freed prisoners they had opened a gate back to Athkatla, which Garrick had never thought he would be so glad to see again.


And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. To be honest, when all of this happened last night Garrick was really past caring, all that he wanted was to get home and get some sleep. Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment.


Awww, poor Garrick. :)

The excitement and the tiredness and his good mood have helped to put all of his other worries out of his mind for once, and he is feeling as relaxed as he has in as long time. In a small corner of his mind he knows that this won't last, that he can't ignore his problems forever - but for the moment he is happy to do so. The fire is warm, the wine is pleasantly chilled, and his mind is at rest. Life, for a short while at least, is glorious.


 


Hope you liked it. Next chapter in a week's time will see Garrick and co. encountering Bodhi for the first time :) .


Oh, I did like it! I'm really rooting for Garrick here!

Great stuff,
---Weyoun
TnT Enhanced Edition: http://www.fanfictio...rds-and-Tempers

---
Sith Warrior - Master, I can sense your anger.

Darth Baras - A blind, comotose lobotomy-patient could sense my anger!

---

"The New Age? It's just the old age stuck in a microwave oven for fifteen seconds" - James Randi

#8 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 18 August 2003 - 02:54 PM

[quote][quote] Wow, four chapters done and I'm still managing to keep up with my one chapter a week schedule. (This may not sound like much compared with some of the more prolific writers around here, but for me it's pretty impressive ). Not only that, but I've finally got round to thinking about the final chapter of Hidden Dangers again - hopefully I'll get that written in the next couple of weeks as well. If I can keep this up I might even end up with one of those mysterious 'backlogs' I've heard so much about! [/quote]
Never sacrifice quality for quantity.
[/quote]

Well, it's not so much a case of actually writing faster as a case of converting time spent sitting on my ass in front of the telly into time spent writing. So hopefully the quality won't suffer :)

[quote] He has given up trying to join in with the 'discussion' that the others are having, since it appears to have degenerated into a shouting match. From his training as a singer he knows better than to risk his voice by yelling himself hoarse, and in any case he suspects that he would be no match for either Yavana or Jaheira who are the main participants in the argument. Or, for that matter, for Minsc, who is bellowing something about 'making evil quiver like a rancid jelly', which seems to have little relevance to anything but is certainly adding a great deal to the noise level. [/quote]
In a group like this I can only imagine the arguments become VERY loud indeed.
[/quote]

Yep!

[quote]
[quote] Yoshimo however seems to have joined him in recognising the futility of trying to interfere, and has retreated to the other side of the room from where he catches Garrick's eye and gives a resigned shrug. Garrick returns the gesture, and returns to staring at the portal. [/quote]
As if there is some doubt about the outcome of the argument.
[quote] Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest. [/quote]
Haer’s goals have always been a bit murkey. :)
[/quote]

Indeed. Most of the other NPCs have clear motivations for joining your partyu, whereas Haer's reasons always seem a bit strange. The Doomguard philosophy is definitely not for me.

[quote]
[quote] Garrick has viewed all this with rather mixed emotions - it brought joy to his heart to hear the tiefling speak of leaving, but he didn't believe then and still doesn't believe now that he actually intended to go through with it. Rather, he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit. [/quote]
I think that is a rather accurate assessment of Haer’s motives.
[/quote]

I'm not good enough at getting into Haer's head to know what his true motrives were, really - think I'll leave this one up to the reader :D

[quote]
[quote] His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more. [/quote]
Naaaa go ahead, be harsh. Yoshimo will likely agree, of course Yoshi has his own reasons for wanting Haer gone. :lol:
[/quote]

Indeed he has, as we'll see in the next chapter.

[quote]
[quote] In any case, the tiefling's motives had turned out to be immaterial; for no sooner had the planar portal been opened than a bounty hunter emerged through it and seized all of the actors along with Haer'Dalis. Where they are now is unknown - and the only way to find out is to enter the portal after them, which Yavana has just decreed it is her intention to do immediately regardless of the fact that most of the group are in need of rest. Garrick has a bad, bad feeling about this, and he suspects that most of the others feel the same way, but then Yavana leaps through the gate and vanishes from his sight and he realises he has no choice but to follow. [/quote]
Trust those feelings boy. After all when was the last time that this group landed somewhere friendly and hospitable?
[/quote]

LOL! Indeed.

[quote]
[quote] Seeing that the attackers have rather lost their momentum, Garrick drops his sword and unslings his crossbow from his back. He fumbles for the quiver of bolts strapped to his leg, but by now Jaheira and Yoshimo have both joined the fight and by the time he finally has the weapon ready to fire three of the enemies are down already. He looks for a suitable target, but the fight has turned into one big melee battle and he is reluctant to fire into it for fear of hitting one of his friends. Yavana appears to be having a similar problem, for she is standing ready to unleash another spell but isn't actually casting. [/quote]
I have always thought that firing into a heated battle would probably do more harm than good.
[/quote]

You'd have to have very quick refexes and be a very good shot, and Garrick's no master marksman.

[quote]
[quote]He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs. [/quote]
Well that works too. :)
[/quote]

Crude, but effective.

[quote]
[quote] Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff. [/quote]
Don’t worry, Wal-Mart will be having a sale next week.
[/quote]

:)

[quote]
[quote] "Alas, I fear our druid must be nearly out of spells by now. But fortunately I am never without a potion or two for such emergencies." [/quote]
And Garrik doesn’t’? Never go into battle without a couple blue bottles. I personally think that they have a minty taste.
[/quote]

They look like mouthwash - makes sense they would taste like it too!


[quote]
[quote] "Thank you Garrick, for saving me," he says sarcastically. "I apologise, everyone, for landing you all in this mess when we could all be sleeping peacefully in nice warm beds by now." [/quote]
One of the lesser known perils of leadership is the sarcasm one must endure form the enlisted men.
[/quote]

Yep. Fortunately she can't hear him though.

[quote]
[quote] "There was this time...I'd been travelling with her for a month or so, we were just out of Nashkel. We met this creature, a nymph I think it was. It...she...kissed me." [/quote]
You always remember your first soul sucking kiss… *sigh* But never your last.
[/quote]

LOL! Unless it makes you a vampire, in which case you have a long, long time to remember it in...

[quote]
[quote] And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. [/quote]
Well you can’t have everything.

Not this early in the story at any rate!

[quote]
[quote] She has finally thanked him for it, and that is enough to make him feel pretty good about himself for once. Maybe after this she will stop acting so distant towards him, will allow him to be her friend again if nothing else. And then maybe eventually she will come to see that Haer'Dalis does not truly care for her, and then maybe he will get another chance...at any rate, he is coming to believe that there may be some cause for hope. The tiefling has not won her yet. [quote]
The “more angst” comment by Bjorn kind of rules that option out thou.
[/quote]

It's just so much fun tormenting my characters...

Thanks for commenting :)

#9 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 18 August 2003 - 03:03 PM


He feels very tired and rather light headed - it is evening, and they have spent the day walking all over the city making contacts, following up rumours of possible quests, trading equipment and so forth. Walking all day in the hot sun whilst carrying a heavy bag of supplies is hardly Garrick's idea of fun, and by mid afternoon he was eyeing longingly every tavern and every patch of shade they passed. Upon reaching the inn he would have been quite happy to go straight to bed, but unfortunately Haer'Dalis' disappearance has rather scuppered that plan.


I agree with Garrick...heat isn't much fun.


Nope. We've been having record temperatures here in the UK lately, and it's been too hot for my liking.


His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


Nice description of jealousy here, very believable.


Thanks :lol:


Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.


I recommend cold water, that is the best way I find. :)


Really? Weird, you'd think hot water would be better.


"She only half killed me. I don't really understand - I blacked out, I don't remember. But somehow she was persuaded to bring me back, and when I woke up Yavana was bending over me looking right into my eyes, and then she hugged me...it was the first time I was sure she really cared for me in that way. And now it's just hard to accept that she doesn't any more."


Ah...I truly feel sorry for him here.


He's not having an easy time of it, that's for sure.


The excitement and the tiredness and his good mood have helped to put all of his other worries out of his mind for once, and he is feeling as relaxed as he has in as long time. In a small corner of his mind he knows that this won't last, that he can't ignore his problems forever - but for the moment he is happy to do so. The fire is warm, the wine is pleasantly chilled, and his mind is at rest. Life, for a short while at least, is glorious.


And bouncing back already I see! :D Will be interesting to see how the little jealousy thing plays out.


Thanks for commenting :)

#10 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 18 August 2003 - 03:26 PM

Wow, four chapters done and I'm still managing to keep up with my one chapter a week schedule. (This may not sound like much compared with some of the more prolific writers around here, but for me it's pretty impressive :lol: ). Not only that, but I've finally got round to thinking about the final chapter of Hidden Dangers again - hopefully I'll get that written in the next couple of weeks as well. If I can keep this up I might even end up with one of those mysterious 'backlogs' I've heard so much about!


Err... I'll keep my mouth shut, I think. :)


Heh, guess I won't hold it against you if you want to gloat about your nice two month backlog :)


He has given up trying to join in with the 'discussion' that the others are having, since it appears to have degenerated into a shouting match. From his training as a singer he knows better than to risk his voice by yelling himself hoarse, and in any case he suspects that he would be no match for either Yavana or Jaheira who are the main participants in the argument. Or, for that matter, for Minsc, who is bellowing something about 'making evil quiver like a rancid jelly', which seems to have little relevance to anything but is certainly adding a great deal to the noise level.


Ooh, I see that poor Jaheira has ended up with another reckless Bhaalspawn that is about to jump into that mysterious portal to save Haer. Trying to convince Yavana is probably a lost cause, though.


It is indeed, but she feels obliged to try...


He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.


:?:


One explanation coming up :D


This not unnaturally sparked a bitter row with Yavana, with her accusing him of abandoning her in her time of need, and enquiring why her company had suddenly become so unbearable that he felt he had to travel the planes to escape it. Far from being apologetic, Haer'Dalis simply explained that it had always been his intention to leave once the leader of the Sigil troupe - one Raelis Shai - had acquired a means of planar travel, and that whilst he had no regrets about the month or so he had spent travelling with Yavana it was now time for him to move on. Yavana - who had been in a bad mood all day in any case, snapping at Garrick and the others whenever they had complained of being tired - did not take this well at all, and although she had agreed to accompany Haer to the Flagons she had made her displeasure very clear indeed.


Ah, I see her reasons. But she did change her mind, I guess - otherwise why would there be all the arguing as I don't think that Jaheira would be all that eager to jump after Haer in that mysterious portal... :)


She changed her mind as soon as he got captured - she might have been annoyed with him, but she doesn't want any harm to come to him.


His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


Indeed, that is such a typical thinking of a jealous male. :)


Or probably a jealous female too, for that matter.


In any case, the tiefling's motives had turned out to be immaterial; for no sooner had the planar portal been opened than a bounty hunter emerged through it and seized all of the actors along with Haer'Dalis. Where they are now is unknown - and the only way to find out is to enter the portal after them, which Yavana has just decreed it is her intention to do immediately regardless of the fact that most of the group are in need of rest. Garrick has a bad, bad feeling about this, and he suspects that most of the others feel the same way, but then Yavana leaps through the gate and vanishes from his sight and he realises he has no choice but to follow.


As I said... another reckless Bhaalspawn. Must be a common trait.


Yep. After all, a Bhaalspawn who wasn't prepared to jump through the occasional strange portal wouldn't get very far in the game... :P


Seeing that the attackers have rather lost their momentum, Garrick drops his sword and unslings his crossbow from his back. He fumbles for the quiver of bolts strapped to his leg, but by now Jaheira and Yoshimo have both joined the fight and by the time he finally has the weapon ready to fire three of the enemies are down already. He looks for a suitable target, but the fight has turned into one big melee battle and he is reluctant to fire into it for fear of hitting one of his friends. Yavana appears to be having a similar problem, for she is standing ready to unleash another spell but isn't actually casting.


Nice. The fight can be pretty annoying because of that one yuan-ti mage - in my last game he managed to hit Eddie with Stun+Finger Of Death... its a very dangerous place, really.


The mage I don't mind so much, it's the backstabber who I find annoying - he seems to always pick the party member with the least hit points to go after.


He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs.


:( I suppose he couldn't get off a shot with crossbow, being worried that he might hit Yavana...


Well,one crossbow shot probably wouldn't be enough to take the guy down, and in any case he hasn't reloaded it yet.


Yoshimo glances over at Jaheira and frowns.



"Alas, I fear our druid must be nearly out of spells by now. But fortunately I am never without a potion or two for such emergencies."


Ah, Jaheira is the only healer... it's quite possible to pull it off, but I think she is better used offensively, rather than for buffing/healing. So... perhaps adding a... cleric?


Hmm - I think Haer is enough of a rival for garrick without addnig Ano to the mix. In the game I think this party would have a few problems - the 2 bards is just a little excessive - but since this is only a story they'll probably get by :)

I tend to use Jaheira defensively myself - never quite worked out how to get the best out of her as an offensive force, and anyway I tend to have fighter heavy parties so there's usually plenty of others around to be at the forefront of the attack.


Garrick grunts. "She should be worried about us, not about that damned tiefling."


Well, technically he is one of them, so... but I understand the poor guy... :(


They won't be any use to Haer if they get killed before they find him, anyway.


"There was this time...I'd been travelling with her for a month or so, we were just out of Nashkel. We met this creature, a nymph I think it was. It...she...kissed me."


I usually make Khalid (or even Jaheira :D ) kiss the nymph... the reaction from the other side is so... touching. :?


What really really annoys me about that bit is that if the PC kisses the nymph then it's game over. I didn't realise until I read the relavant chapter of In The Cards what was supposed to happen there.


And Haer'Dalis...Haer'Dalis is once again among them. Raelis and the Sigil troupe have gone their own way amongst the planes, but Haer has chosen to part ways with them for the time being, and remain in Yavana's company. To be honest, when all of this happened last night Garrick was really past caring, all that he wanted was to get home and get some sleep. Now...well, he feels that his suspicions of the tiefling were justified, for certainly Yavana's attitude towards Haer has noticeably warmed since the night's escapade, and Haer has been taking full advantage of that, barely leaving her side for a moment.


Blergh. Somebody, make Yavana open her eyes and see what a skunk Haer really is...


Give it some time :)

Thanks for commenting :)

#11 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 18 August 2003 - 03:32 PM


He jerks awake to see Yavana standing in front of him with her pack on her shoulders, her quarterstaff in her hands, and generally looking ready for battle as she prepares to jump through the portal. He himself has rarely felt less alert and raring to go, but nevertheless he draws his sword and readies himself to follow. It is just too much effort to argue, and in any case he suspects she would only react angrily if he were to remind her that less than an hour ago she had expressed the opinion that they were better off without the tiefling.


Hmmm, I think Garrick, Haerry and Minsc could form an interesting band of musicians, for some reason. :)


Heh, you should write a story about it :D


Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.


Poor Garrick. :)


yep :)


His conscience tells him that this interpretation of events may be a little harsh on the tiefling, but in his heart he wants to be able to dislike Haer, wants to add to his list of grievances against Haer, wants to convince himself that Haer is not the right man for Yavana. And so he quells that dissenting voice, and concentrates on hating him even more.


And keeping it all inside... until he explodes in anger, that is.


he needs someone to talk to, really.


He allows himself to be distracted for a moment by the sight of her, with her long black hair hanging loose over her shoulders and a determined look in her dark eyes as she watches the fight. Her blue robe is travel stained and her face is smeared with dust and the odd bloodstain from a cut she sustained whilst fighting off some thugs earlier in the day, but he thinks she has never looked more beautiful. This is really not the time to be thinking of such things though...he switches his attention back to the fight, and as one of the snake creatues is knocked backwards by a heavy blow from Minsc he manages to catch it in the face with a crossbow bolt. It sways as the bolt hits, and then Minsc's follow up blow decapitates it neatly and its body falls to the ground.


Wow, nice fight-scenes!


Thanks :)


Garrick looks down at himself, and grimaces in disgust as he sees that there is blood all over his shirt - his nice new shirt, bought only yesterday from a trader in the Promenade with whom he had had to bargain for a good quarter hour to get a decent price - and that his cloak and leggings are also spotted with the stuff.


Well, I guess now he has to bargain for washing powder, I'm afraid. :)


LOL!


Hope you liked it. Next chapter in a week's time will see Garrick and co. encountering Bodhi for the first time :lol: .


Oh, I did like it! I'm really rooting for Garrick here!


Glad to hear it :) . Thanks for commenting.

#12 Guest_Dorotea_*

Posted 20 August 2003 - 02:39 AM

Poo Garrick - even when he strives to be a hero somehpw it always turns out that he looks ridiculous. :lol: I wonder how is that?

Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.


Despite my general liking of Haer Dalis, I have to agree with Garrick in this case - I have a feeling the tiefling is up to no good. :lol:

he suspects that it was a ploy of Haer's designed to manipulate Yavana into a situation where she would have to beg him to stay, thus allowing him to play the hero to her damsel in distress and move their relationship along a bit.


and I agree with him again


He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs.


:wink: That was exactly what I meant - he has to strain his ankle just before that. Still kudos to Garrick - without him she would be dead.

Yoshimo looks about to offer some words of comfort, but then he sees that Yavana is back on her feet and approaching them, and wisely keeps his mouth shut.


Interesting relationship they have with Yoshi, who is of course using him for his own ends ...

But Garrick is feeling surprisingly calm about all of this - after all that has happened he is exceedingly grateful to be alive and to be back on the Prime Material, and as he sits beside a warm fire with a glass of wine in his hand he is more content than he has been for a long while. There is also a certain sense of smugness that whatever Haer'Dalis may have going for him, he is yet to save Yavana's life, so Garrick is one up on him there.


Well, it definitely sounds more optimistic for him.
I hope he will get what he wishes, or will he?

Cheers!

#13 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 20 August 2003 - 03:10 PM

Poor Garrick - even when he strives to be a hero somehpw it always turns out that he looks ridiculous. :wink: I wonder how is that?


He's not really the most practical guy, I think - he has the ideas but doesn't always manage to execute them as planned.

Garrick, of course, is strongly in accordance with this view - his dislike of Haer'Dalis grows stronger with each passing day. Not only is he jealous of how close the tiefling is to Yavana, but he also finds him extremely annoying to converse with, and especially after recent events cannot but feel that Haer is not fully committed to aiding Yavana on her quest.


Despite my general liking of Haer Dalis, I have to agree with Garrick in this case - I have a feeling the tiefling is up to no good. :lol:


heh, well I have a general disliking of Haer'Dalis so I pretty much always have that feeling :)

He gives a cry of despair, but the others are all focused on the melee and haven't realised what's happened. He tries to run to her aid, but he has forgotten about his ankle and nearly falls as an agonising throb of pain shoots up his leg. Yavana slumps to the floor as the assassin pulls out his knife...there is no time...Garrick takes two frantic hops towards him, and lacking any other weapon bludgeons the man across the head with his crossbow before he has the chance to strike again. Then, unable to regain his balance, he crashes into his foe and they go down together in a pile of flailing limbs.


:twisted: That was exactly what I meant - he has to strain his ankle just before that. Still kudos to Garrick - without him she would be dead.


True - he got the job done, even if he didn't exactly do it in style.

Yoshimo looks about to offer some words of comfort, but then he sees that Yavana is back on her feet and approaching them, and wisely keeps his mouth shut.


Interesting relationship they have with Yoshi, who is of course using him for his own ends ...


Indeed, although I think he does actually like Garrick - it's not just a case of wanting to use him.

But Garrick is feeling surprisingly calm about all of this - after all that has happened he is exceedingly grateful to be alive and to be back on the Prime Material, and as he sits beside a warm fire with a glass of wine in his hand he is more content than he has been for a long while. There is also a certain sense of smugness that whatever Haer'Dalis may have going for him, he is yet to save Yavana's life, so Garrick is one up on him there.


Well, it definitely sounds more optimistic for him.
I hope he will get what he wishes, or will he?


I'm not going to give the ending away just yet :twisted:

Thanks for commenting :(




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