Chapter 12: Shadows in the Dark

[Dave B.]

When Shorak sees that the food is safe, he takes a plate and fills it with a little bit of everything and maybe just a bit more of the cheese and sausage, as well as a good sized chunk of bread. He keeps his ears open to the conversation, listening carefully as he fills his mouth. This is not his area of expertise, so he'll let the others do the talking for now. His stomach gurgles happily as he swallows the first morsels.

[Jeff]

Apr 7, 2016 22:06:45 GMT -4 Darren said:

Now Kal leans back, appearing to settle in. "As for tales, we have many and I would be glad to share. As Histra and Belarin have said, though, our path did lead to your door in search of our way back home, and time is not, I fear, on our side. I assume that you do not spend all of your time here on Dollurh, and given the location of this house, I assume you also dwell in Stormreach? So it will not be new information for you to have heard of the Coin Lords' recent party, and being a man who is likely well informed, you have perhaps also heard of his captive. That captive, as all captives do, seeks release, and it was my aid he enlisted to do so. The means of securing his release could only be found here, in Dollurh, and being the adventurous, and perhaps foolhardy, bunch that we are, we made our way here. Having found the information we needed, it is now important that we return to Eberron with all haste to see the captive released."

When Kal finishes, there is a noticeable rumble outside, a distant roll of thunder.

"Remarkable," Rashade says then. "You have chosen not only to disregard the Coin Lords' contest, but to thwart them by snatching their prize away. I confess I have not, in a very long time, encountered such audacity in any human." He looks beyond Kal to the rest of the party. "Or halfling, changeling, or tiefling, for that matter. Which brings me to the next riddle. Was such altruism what united you? How did such a disparate company form? You seem too variegated to be mercenaries." He looks back to Kal. "And I suspect Lord Greigur d'Deneith did not send you here."

[Ken]

“No, not mercenaries,” says Belarin before adding with a smirk, “although some of us do like coin more than others.” He doesn’t react to Rashade’s reference to “changeling” other than giving what he hopes is a reassuring glance at Shorak. “We’ve met each other – and bonded – in very different circumstances. For me, at least, altruism played no part. It was revenge. I sought out those responsible for slaying a mentor, and my path crossed with that of Kalarian and Streko here,” he says, indicating his two friends with a casual wave of his fork-wielding hand, “among others. But as I’m sure you know, sir, revenge is a muddy stream. It can branch off in different directions and you can never be sure where the bottom is.”

He takes a sip of wine. “But even in the muddiest stream, you may find gold. Because of that original quest, I’ve developed the deepest friendships and even fallen in love,” he says, looking at Histra. “Fate can be strange, something on which we can all agree. What of you, sir? Surely, your path must have been a challenging one as well. I mean, this–” he takes in their surroundings with an appreciative look, “—could not have come easily.”

[Jeff]

"You give satisfying answers, Belarin. Your talents like in magic, I deem. But you must allow your host his questions, not interrogate him. You came here for what I possess, yes? And in truth, I will, before ushering you along, ask for a favor—nothing more. And it is, quite simply, one concerning revenge. Since you understand revenge, Belarin, I will assume you would not refuse me." His eyeless sockets fixate on Belarin for an uncomfortably long moment.

"But come, a few more stories, then I will let you be on your way. I understand the urgency of your errand. The City of Dungeons has been in a bustle since you left it, and a storm like no other has raged overhead. It is rare that Dolurrh feels the echoes of Eberron's elements...but I think you have observed this yourself." He gestures to the window beside Adamant.

"Tell me what brings an oathbound of Dol Arrah such as this one to Xen'drik. And a Vassal of Olladra. And a tiefling of Wastes. And a halfblood who clearly prefers his dark-skinned half to his lighter." His last words have him looking at Shorak. "Why get caught up in this search for the much-coveted Eye of Azalar. Have you a stake in its finding?"

[Brian]

“We did not come willingly,” Condign says, a hint of old anger in his voice. “A man named Larest ir’Zathyran drugged us and kidnapped us. You could say he is using ‘unconventional’ means to secure our assistance in the search for the Eye.”

[Darren]

"As Condign says, the quest for the Eye was not our decision." Kal chuckles. "It seems Fate had other plans for us. It is true, Larest brought us to Stormreach unwillingly. To be honest, I would prefer the Eye never be found at all. Power such as that has a way of corrupting even the most pure of hearts." Kal's eyes wander to Streko as he says these words, but quickly return to Rashade. "And while we have the support of Lord Greigur, it is true that our specific actions are a mystery to him. He trusts me." Kal forces himself to hold Rashade's eyeless gaze. "But what of the favor you would ask?"

[Dave W.]

Adamant stirs, uncomfortable with being noticed. "I'm afriad I can not repay your hospitality with much of a tale. I will say that in a way altruism is what brings me to this place."

"I was constructed to defend my country, and failed. In the aftermath, I tried to defend other refugees. I was blessed meet a halfling couple who with exceptional love offered all they could to aid my people. In the face of such pure Light, I pledged to them that I would keep their children and their friends safe."

"One of those children is here at this table, and his friends are my friends now. I have pledged all that I am to defend them. But it started with the altruism of Streko's parents."

---

sorry to step on Kal's question there...

[Jeff]

Rashade seems perfectly content to forestall talk of the "favor" until the others have spoken.

[Dave B.]

Shorak swallows a mouthful of food and looks at Rashade. "I was a stowaway on the ship that Larest and my new friends were traveling on. Larest bartered my freedom and hired me as a guide in Xen'drik, since that is my main trade. After fighting side by side with all these good adventurers, I have come to feel a part of the group." He looks around the table, nodding to each of them, even HIstra. Shorak pauses a little longer when he meets Belarin's eyes. He turns back to Rashade. "A spell was cast upon me to be able to locate portals that connect to Xen'drik. That is what led us to your doorstep." He stuffs a bit of cheese in his mouth and takes a bite of sausage. He then pours himself a glass of water as he chews.

[Joe]

Streko feels his stomach twist slightly. The smells, while slightly muted, stir his salivary glands and he swallows convulsively, suddenly and almost overwhelmingly feeling the desire to snatch food from the table in a greedy and uncivilized manner. Instead, he slowly reaches for some bread and cheese, watching his friends take their bites and not shrivel into dust.

Condign speaks with barely controlled rage in his voice and Streko understands this. He still harbors, deep within him, a rage he doesn't understand, except that, being honest with himself at that moment, he does. Once again, his sister was taken from him. All that brings happiness to him, his family, was taken by Larest without permission. Now, duties are required of him, simply for the right to find some magical object in order to be returned to his family. Their host speaks of altruism and Streko wishes to spit. Such a word cannot truly exist, particularly not in this realm!

The tales to appease Rashade continue. He notices Kal glance over at him and blushes slightly. Pure hearts, his friend says. Streko feels ill. Where is that renowned Halfling bravery? Here he sits, cowering at a dinner table, waiting until all others get their fill before even tasting his selections. Bile swirls in his throat. Belarin mentions him again and he recalls that fateful day, so long ago. The accident, the bodies strewn about. How could he have known that such a tragedy would lead to the most fulfilling time of his life, amongst the people who mean the most to him?

His chest heaves slightly. Why is it so hard to breathe?

Adamant speaks, his deep sub-tenor voice so lyrical, so gentle. He speaks of Streko's own family and the word altruism erupts from him like a battle cry.

The Halfling wants to push himself away from the table He wants nothing more than to find a corner to hide from all these hideous reflections of himself and his friends.

Streko wants to go home. Nothing more.

Shorak speaks about his arrival and finally, when the Drow has said his peace, Streko can stand no more. When he speaks, his voice is uncharacteristically low.

'You must be lonely indeed, Rashade. To keep us here as your guests, requesting stories and plying us with fine food, for which my stomach gratefully thanks you. And yet, you must also know how this place affects the living. I suspect you know that we've been here for some time. The only reason we are here is to assist in the return of a sphinx to her mate. This was not a choice I made altruistically." He looks over at Kal and shakes his head from side to side, slowly, sadly. "Although, it can be said that the outcome would be both favorable and, possibly heartwarming. I felt that assisting the Sphinx would give us the edge in obtaining the eye for Larest. Let me be as clear as I can be, while I still have my faculties. All I want is to return home to my sister and my parents and to live a good life, with good food and good friends. Everything else is simply a means of obtaining that goal now.

"As to how I met these fine men? Simple happenstance. They have all," he looks at Shorak now, "my family. They are no longer simple adventurers to me. We didn't simply cross paths one day and, through trial by combat and whimsy, decide to band together like a common theater troupe. These men, all of them, are more brother to me than travelling companion. I would die for each and every one of them and, while I respect their choices, I can say we don't always agree, but that is neither here nor there, is it?"

"Since being here, all of us have been near death's door on multiple occasions. One of my family, his name is Syrdan, is no longer with us and my heart is heavy. All I can do is repeat his name, close my eyes and picture his face, so that I will never forget him. Too many of those who would have become like family have been taken from me in recent years and it taxes my soul, Rashade. So much death ways heavy on me, in the best of times. Now, I find that all I can do is remember them as they once were and in this place, even that is becoming yet another trial to overcome."

He looks to his host. "Have you never felt the need to end the game, to quit the trials and find some restful, quiet place to be left alone by your own choice? Is that what you have here? Is this your escape from the ravages of life? If so, I envy you that. I hope my tale has been satisfying, or at least somewhat illuminating. I find my weariness leads to more excess than what I am already known for and I apologize if I have bored you. But you did ask."

He turns back to the food and takes another piece of cheese. Even this food seems without taste and is merely for sustenance. Streko suddenly feels even more sad than he did earlier in the day. "No escape for the weary," he whispers.

[Darren]

Kal's eyes narrow as Streko spills forth far more information than he would choose to share. Still, he loves his Halfling friend and he can't help but soften as Streko speaks of his family. Kal folds his hands together and rests his chin upon them as he listens. Then he watches Rashade to see how he will react.

[Jeff]

Rashade watches Streko without expression as the halfling speaks more than he has in quite a few hours.

"The 'game,' as you call it, was taken from me already." Rashade sits back. "As I do wish you to enjoy this last moment of repose, I do not wear my current form. You are hoping to leave this dark plane and return to the world of the living, and so you shall, but it is no world of peace you are returning to. As you seem to have forgotten. As you will soon remember."

"I will not detain you further. Here, then, is the simple favor I would ask: That you allow me to call on you again at some future time. Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps a year from now. Agree to assist me with a single request, to be determined at that time." He gestures to the freakish woman opposite the table from him. "This is Razza, an associate of mine. If you agree to let me call on this favor, she will find you."

"In exchange, you will not be hindered or harmed by the Shrouds, should your paths ever cross in a disfavorable way."

[Darren]

Kal tries to betray no shock with his outward appearance, but a sense of dread fills him within. He knows the incredible danger such a pledge represents. Still, the options seem limited. "If my companions will agree to it, then you have our word."

[Ken]

Belarin considers Rashade's words and then he exchanges a glance with Kal. "Rashade," he says hesitantly, the image of Rashade's eyeless stare still burned into his mind, "you mentioned revenge, so I need to ask: Might such a favor involve asking us to kill someone?"

[Dave B.]

"If it involves killing Krez, I'd be all for that." Shorak says through a mouthful of fruit.

[Jeff]

"That is not my wish," Rashade answers. "But we shall see. Is this acceptable?"

[Dave B.]

"I agree with it." Shorak says after swallowing the fruit he was munching on.

[Ken]

"I'm fine with that," agrees Belarin.

[Brian]

Condign scowls from the other end of the table. "I do not like open-ended promises. We could end up having to do something abhorrent, some act of violence we would never have condoned under normal circumstances. Say we find the Eye and he asks us to hand it over to him? No, I am not in favor of this arrangement. Unless..." He pauses. "Unless our host grants us the right to refuse his request, provided we convince him that it goes against everything we believe is right and true. We would still be obligated to fulfill our promise, though, if he were to release us. Is that agreeable, my lord?"

[Jeff]

"I agree to it," Histra says pointedly then, regarding Condign with a withering glare.

Rashade fixes his eyeless gaze on Condign. "I assume you are this party's diplomat. I wonder if you speak for your companions, do you wish to be exempt from appreciation?" The elf rises from his seat, walks to the window behind Belarin, and faces the dark world outside.

"I said that I required no toll for the use of my doorway. I am not a Coin Lord; I despise falsehoods. I only ask for this token of appreciation. If you refuse it, I bear you no ill will, Condign. But neither can I extend to you the protection of my sister's syndicate, on the off chance that it matters."

He turns around. "Disdaining my intentions, you may likewise prefer to find an alternative way home. I would be happy to tell you where others may be found. The closest active portal rests in the hands of the Blood of Vol." Rashade makes an unsavory expression.

[Brian]

Condign ignores Histra's glare, and the looks he is receiving from the others. He truly does not like blind commitments. But, it seems, he is outnumbered.

"Very well," he says. "I agree to your request."

[Joe]

Streko nods. "You have provided a sanctuary for us in time of need and for that, despite my misgivings of a personal nature, I will honor your request and again, thank you for the service you have provided."

[Dave W.]

Adamant looks at the mirror image. He speaks still facing his reflection, "I am also leery of open ended promises," the warforged turns to face his host, "but yes, if you call on me and it is within my power to do, I will answer."

A pause, Adamant looks down, "But please do not ask me to turn on my friends... It is the one thing I do not know if I could make restitution for."

[Jeff]

As if on silent command, the seneschal reappears in the doorway.

"Unless there is anything else you would ask of me," Rashade says, indicating his servant, "there is no need for further delay."

[Ken]

Belarin dabs at his mouth with a napkin and rises to his feet. “Thank you, Rashade, for the food and your hospitality,” he says. “When the time comes to do our part, we may not necessarily be together, so please have Razza find me in that situation. I’ll pass the word along to the others.”

[Brian]

Condign quickly eats from the food offered. If what Rashade said was true, and there wasn't a reason to doubt him, they were returning to a city in turmoil. They needed to keep up their strength.

After satisfying his hunger, Condign rises and joins Belarin. "We appreciate your hospitality," he says to Rashade. "And we will do our best to return the favor some day."

[Jeff]

Rashade steps over to Belarin and produces a small object from his vest. "Keep this on you at all times, to the best of your ability. It will allow Razza to locate you, should the time come, and it likewise serves as a token of my protection. There is no need to display it."

The object appears to be a small smoky gray and black prism, nothing more. But in Belarin's arcane sight, it posses some divination and necromantic elements.

[Ken]

Belarin accepts the item and puts it in his belt pouch. "Understood," he says quickly, not wanting to spend more time under Rashade's eyeless scrutiny than necessary.

[Dave W.]

Adamant gives a short bow, "Thank you, Mas... er I mean, Rashade'. He steps back to let Kal and Streko get up from the table and will follow Kal out of the room when the time comes.

[Jeff]

The seneschal begins to usher you out of the room, and leads the way up the central stairs toward the second floor.