Chapter 20: Coming Dawn

[Dave W.]

Adamant has been letting his friends have their turns, a bit nervous for his own. He shows appreciation to all of them. He gives a particularly bright laugh when Shorak makes the warforged face.

He does step up, "I will do my part now."

He finds a place to stand where all can see him. He shifts a bit and touches the Octagram on his chest, nervous habits.

"I should first like to say, you are all talented people. My thanks to you. And my heartfelt thanks to Calirataia for encouraging us all."

"I … ummm, am not a great speaker as you all know. But, well, you've all heard me sing before and I don't know how to dance… so I have a story I will tell with your indulgence."

He stands there a moment; his eye gems dim a second as he gathers thoughts and courage. He begins:

Once Upon a Time there was a city… that's how a story is supposed to start, isn't it? ... Many centuries ago, the people of the city warred against each other until Four Skilled Gentlemen used arcane arts to raise a very, very tall wall.

The wall completely divided the city. For generation after generation, the people of the East and the people of the West could only hear each other over the wall for there were no gates and it was forbidden to climb over.

Now the people of both cities were very different. Those that lived on the West of the wall were mostly poor and life for them was often grim. Thus they were stoic and valued hard work, routine, and quiet. They had no time for frivolity.

The people of the East, though they were hardworking, they were also prosperous. And they celebrated their prosperity nearly every night with fireworks and music.

In West City, there was a little girl named… ummm, Freda?... who delighted at the distant fireworks and music. At night she would sneak out and lean against the wall to see the reflections of the lights and feel the music through the wall.

But she was also always sad and lonely for no one understood her on this side of the wall. She imagined that everyone in the East City was always filled with joy; and that all little girls had many, many friends.

One day, as she sat against the wall listening to the Eastern music, in that moment despair pulled at her and she started to cry.

"Hello?" a boy's voice called through the wall. "Are you ok?"

"No. Not really." Freda replied. For she was raised to be truthful. "No one understands how lonely I am."

"Oh, I am sorry but you are wrong," the boy said, for he was raised to be polite, "I am lonely as well."

"But how can you be? You live in the midst of Light and Music!"

"Yes but there is no room for Quiet and Peace at the end of the day."

They introduced themselves, Freda and Jacob. They spent much of the night telling each other of their lives and what it was like to have Quiet or Music. Night after night they would come to the wall, lean against their side, and talk. They became best friends as weeks passed.

One night, Freda says to Jacob, "All of my life my wish has been to travel through this wall and see your city; it's fireworks and music. But today I would forgo lights and dancing and would rather just see you Jacob, on my side or yours."

"Ah, Freda, I agree. I once would have thought it would be paradise to cross into your city and find a quiet spot. But, tonight, I would gladly share my city if I could touch your hand."

Jacob stood and put his face very near the wall. "Freda, can you hear where my voice is? Place your hands just to either side of that." And he placed his hands on the wall bracketing his face.

Freda stood and did likewise. In a heartbeat the wall under their palms felt warm. In another, the wall was warm as flesh. In a third, yellow light began to peek from under their hands. In a fourth, lines of light began making patterns running out from their hands… the patterns split and swirled -- some became unreadable symbols, others formed the lines of an archway…

The children were astonished, as over the generations much about the wall had been forgotten.

As I said the wall was built by Four Clever Gentlemen using Lost Knowledge. And the Clever Gentlemen saw the need to separate the people but also made a Key to open a Passage. If any held a heart-felt desire to travel through and bore no ill-intent, the beat of their heart would make a door that would last until dawn.

And that had been forgotten. But on that night, Freda and Jacob rediscovered it. The area of teh wall that was encompassed in warm, yellow light melted away and their hands… at last, touched.

We could continue with the tale of Freda and Jacob but this is not truly a story about them. Because the most astonishing thing is not the door itself but that, once the lost secret was known, how many people made their own doors… Not all certainly, not even most.

Neither Freda nor Jacob knew that they were surrounded by people as isolated and lonely as they were. It is sometimes difficult to know what is in the hearts of others and it is strange to realize how similar their hearts are to yours.

And so to this day, on any given night, dozens of open doorways can be seen.

"Oh, there should be a moral…"

Adamant rubs his bald head. "Well, clearly, everyone has walls but don't let them isolate you. Not forever. No matter if they are made of pride, fear, pain, or even distance… open a doorway. You may be surprised to know how much we are all the same."

"Also revel in the differences… be open to moving in new ways and to see the world in a new way… because we are all different." He lets out a gentle laugh.

Stalled, he pauses and ends, not gracefully, "That is all. The end of my story… umm, sorry if it was long."

[Ken]

Belarin's eyes are wet as he smiles and says, "That was lovely, Adamant. Thank you. It was JUST the right length."

[Brian]

Melethos nods. "Agreed. You were perfect, Adamant. As were you Kal, and Shorak, and Streko. Even you, Captain Thul, amazed and impressed. Parting will be difficult after such a long journey, but, at least for me, this has lessened the pain."

[Jeff]

Sem sits, riveted, during Kal's Talenta story. "That is . . . a fable? A legend, in Talenta? A real event?" he asks when Kal is done, but Kal has already vanished. The gnome climbs to his feet. "I've never heard that, not once, in Zilargo."

Calirataia looks around for Kal, and it's clear she could find him quickly her way if she wanted to. But she doesn't. She calls out, "You make me wish I could visit the Plains, Kal. Though I am now terrified of its titans. Except, not this one." She wraps her hands around Tangat's ears and shoulders, petting him happily.

Has Streko heard the tale of Toreon? (Up to you, Joe. Streko's family are a few generations Brelish already, but would have some distant relatives on the Plains.)

when Adamant comes forward to tell his story, Sem sits near the warforged's feet and casts spell of illusion, not to provide visuals, to manipulate sound. Manipulating a tiny harp in his hand, the sound of real harp music surrounds Adamant, and when he speaks of fireworks, tiny subtle lights burst around him to illustrate his story. Soft light surrounds the paladin when he speaks of warmth and passion passing through the wall.

More tomorrow. Just got home from a very full day.

Kal gains Inspiration. Adamant. . . already had some. Stop hogging your Inspiration, Dave! Use it!

[Dave B.]

Shorak's hands are getting tired from all the applauding. Kal's amazing display, comparable to the storytelling wizards of his tribe and Adamant's tale, accompanied by Sem's magic, were so much fun. When there is a break in the presentations, Shorak takes his plate and cup for some refills.

[Joe]

As Melethos ends his song, Streko approaches and bows deeply. "Kalarian may be our charismatic battlefield leader, but there is no one who makes me feel safer than you, good Tiefling. My deepest apologies if I have not shown my affection for you before, or thanked you for your devoted service to us."

He bows again just as Shorak begins his masterful antics. The Halfling smiles as his own face suddenly appears. "By Olladra's breath, I need a haircut, badly..." Then, the Changling becomes Adamant and...smiles! "Great Gods Above!' Streko turns to Adamant. "You MUST do that!! Now that I have seen it with my own eyes, I cannot ever forget such happiness! Shorak, you are a marvel!"

Then Kal begins and Streko is suddenly enraptured by the scene. He falls into the story as no other story could enthrall him quite to easily. When Kal finishes his magical re-enactment, he rises and claps his hands together fervently.

"Wonderful story!! I almost wish I had lived within its bounds! Such glory and pride I had almost forgotten existed within my race and had almost forgotten this had ever happened!! Thank you so much, Kalarian. Were you aware that Varna often told me of Saratha's bravery? Thank you for reminding me of one of our greatest heroes and her tale of strength...wherever you've gone!"

His grin stretches across a flushed face and he hasn't felt this...involved...in a very long time. "It's good to be among a troupe!" He continues clapping until Adamant stands and begins his tale.

He feels a tear roll down his cheek and believes it to be one of joy, one of longing and true understanding. You never cease to amaze me, brother!!"
_________________________________________________

Simul-posted with a few of you...editing my response. Also, I just LOVE the creativity in this group! Simple awe-inspiring!

[Darren]

Kal emerges from the shadows behind Sem. "It's all true. Perhaps they don't talk about it in Zilargo, but I was in the Red Claw's camp. I told the story the way it was told to me." Kal holds out the small figurine for Sem to see.

__________________
Taking a little creative license here, Jeff, so I hope you'll forgive that, but it's always fun to flesh out these characters' backstories a little.

[Jeff]

Starg comes forward. "I am sorry for my lack," the minotaur says almost gravely. "Among my people, there are many tales told, and epics recounted, but every one holds battle and conquest above all. The Horned Prince is the common lord and god, and it his worship that keeps the clans strong individually, but fractured as a people. There is little observance in arts unconnected to war, and so I have none to offer. There are some—too few—who study runic and arcane arts, but it is yet a science to us. It leaves little room for expression, or . . . performance. You have all opened yourselves in ways that I greatly admire, but cannot reciprocate."

[Dave W.]

"Thank you Sem." Adamant tells the gnome at the end of his story, "For the lights and music and your advice earlier."

Adamant will carry a cup with some small amount of beverage in it, as he did at Streko's holy feast; providing the pretense of joining the part of the party he can not really appreciate. He is in very good humor in any case.

At some point he will find Streko, "Varna. I pray she and your parents are well back in Sharn. You should send them a message... I believe there's a prayer for that." Adamant's voice drops low and his speech becomes tentative, "I... ummm... may wish to request you invoke that prayer to send a message for me someday."

"No, we should not think of that now. Someday will find us in due course. Tonight only happy thoughts, yes?" he finishes brightly.

[Ken]

Belarin eats more pineapples and finishes another drink, and then he walks over to Starg. He engages the minotaur in a private conversation.

________________________

Jeff, see private thread in a couple of minutes.

[Jeff]

As the party currently just lapses into mixed socializing and little groups, Kurra approaches Streko. She holds up a well-made but not exceptionally large metal tureen, the size of a big soup bowl. He can see it has been inlaid meticulously with gemstones of alternating blue and white hues that run along the outside of the rim, and the overall effect is one of function over form, despite the presence of the gems.

"D'Jorasco," the dwarf says, flips it over, and the halfling then sees some Dwarf characters carved into its base. Knowing he probably doesn't know the Dwarf language, she reads it for him: WEDRETH. "This is one of a few heirlooms of my family, but I don't use it often. I've added the stones myself, so someday on trip, when you most need it, you'll be able to conjure that feast of yours again. I know its cost means you cannot do so any old time. But if this gives you all a fighting chance even once on your quest, it's worth it to me. And I'll sleep better." Her face tightens with some kind of emotion, but she doesn't cry. Doesn't even get misty. If anything, there's annoyance there. "You've gone and made a Mrorian-Lhazaarite give a damn about you, you know?

Brack calls Kal up to the helm. When the Deneith heir comes, the captain hands him a spyglass. "Look behind us. It's been there for a while now, but it's getting no closer. Someone else going where you're going, I'm thinking, but no faster than we." Even without the spyglass, Kal can see a distant light on the dark river in the distance. Up on the sterncastle, flanked by two autumn-glowing trees, Kal can't help but wonder if the illusions woven around the Dragonfly are visible to anyone outside it. The mainmast still looks like a big tree to him.

---

The bowl Kurra is giving Streko is perfectly spec'd to be the material component for the Heroes' Feast spell, and casting that spell will consume it, so this is only good for one casting.

Attachments:

[Dave B.]

Shorak finishes his second helping of food, consisting of mostly fruit this time. A portion of each type laid out. Seeing Brack call over Kal and noting the use of the spyglass, Shorak ambles over to them. "What is it? Another ship?" he asks them. He looks out into the night, waiting to have a look through the spyglass himself.

[Joe]

Streko takes the ornate bowl in hand. "And you have managed to make a Brelish Halfling go speechless! My gratitude...and profound honor..." Streko does then burst into tears and wraps his arms around the dwarf. "I will honor you and use this and I know that all of us will not only be grateful, but will hold you in our debt. The Dragonfly and her crew are a marvel and sent by the Host itself. Thank you."

He peels himself back and wipes the tears away. "This means more than I can speak," he says, looking at the bowl and simply marveling at it. "Thank you so much," he whispers.

He clears his throat and smiles. "We shall meet again, good Kurra. All of us!"
______________________________________________

Streko will place the bowl into his haversack.

[Ken]

Belarin ends his chat with Starg and rejoins the group at the table. He decides it's time for some water, not ale. "I thought Starg needed a little...I don't know, boost, but he's fine. " He looks at Histra. "How are you, my beautiful Harvest Queen?"

[Jeff]

Jun 15, 2021 21:52:47 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko does then burst into tears and wraps his arms around the dwarf. "I will honor you and use this and I know that all of us will not only be grateful, but will hold you in our debt. The Dragonfly and her crew are a marvel and sent by the Host itself. Thank you."

He peels himself back and wipes the tears away. "This means more than I can speak," he says, looking at the bowl and simply marveling at it. "Thank you so much," he whispers.

"All right," Kurra says, working to peel Streko back off of her after giving him a solid squeeze that nearly pushes the breath out of him. "That's enough of that now."

When Belarin returns to Histra, he finds her sipping some of the Nightwood Ale in a cup of her own. He doesn't see her drink much, and even then she favors wine over "peasant drink."

Jun 16, 2021 9:30:34 GMT -4 Ken said:

"How are you, my beautiful Harvest Queen?"

Histra shifts her clothing about a little bit, and gives Belarin a neutral look. Her face has some real color to it right now. "Bountiful and excessively florid," she says dryly, but then she smiles and relaxes a little. She tosses her dark red hair back and tries to give a bubbly laugh. It doesn't quite work. Touching the white rose in her hair to adjust it, she says to Belarin (and anyone else interested), "I did have a cousin, what you might term a 'black sheep' of the family. She showed no interest in necromancy, nor even wizardry. Thestra accused her of witless piety, but that wasn't Folirea. She merely sought another path, rather than the arts that came naturally to the rest of us. She dressed differently, choosing lighter dress and rarely even robes or frocks at all. She wore the attire of laborers with no noble blood."

Histra indicates Calirataia, who now weaves around the party in her flowing robes of black. "Many assume that the blacks and grays that we favor are some spiritual or fashion choice, but they are mistaken. Sable and somber colors are more familiar to the dead; even the mindless dead. Did you know this? It is like taking a step closer to the colors associated with Dolurrh and Mabar that make the unliving a touch more responsive to us and our words of power. I believe the Aereni and followers of the Undying Court have similar reasons for their dress and physical adornments."

This appears to be Histra's variety of party talk. Belarin also decides that since she is speaking this much about something other than arcane matters directly she is slightly intoxicated.

Starg has caught some of her words. "What became of your cousin?" he asks Histra.

"Folirea just disappeared one day," she says, staring into the gloom beyond the ship, her tone flat. "It is difficult to thrive in a family of necromancers if you choose not to be one." 

Waiting for Darren to proceed with Kal- and Shorak-based sterncastle goings-on.

[Brian]

Melethos listens to Histra relate some of her family history, surprised at the necromancer's sharing. Then he notices Kal at he sterncastle with Captain Brack, with Kal looking through the spyglass at something behind the ship. When Shorak joins them, the tiefling rises from his seat and approaches them.

"What have we got?" he says. "Man or monster?"

[Darren]

Kal raises the spyglass to his eye, getting a closer look at the vessel behind them. "Perhaps a local fisherman, out for a pleasure cruise at night?" he asks.

I couldn't resist....

"How much sooner than them do you think we'll land? Do they gain on us?"

[Dave W.]

"Family is clearly complicated. And people always end up finding a group of... supporters?... that substitute for family. But I sympathize with not feeling quite like you belong where you are. 'Disappeared' sounds vaguely ominous, I hope she just found a new group of chosen friends."

"So truly all your family are necromancers? Have you ever considered anything else? Though I see the value of specializing, but it also seems...limiting... Even to just all be arcanists... no one has ever shown aptitude for swords or accounting?"

[Jeff]

Kal looks into the spyglass and locates the light. It's still far away, but he can see something of the other ship now. He can see a mast but its sail is down; it's long and sleek, possibly the size of the Dragonfly but much slimmer. He can see numerous oars. It's a longship of some kind*, rife with shields and oars. He can't make out any individual occupants, though; there are some torches on its deck but its overall light is not as great as the Dragonfly's.

"Not gaining, no," Brack says with some confidence. "In the daytime, I think we can move faster. But that boat looks agile. If we keep our watches tonight, I don't think we need to worry about closing in, but if they're getting off where you're getting off, you'll meet them tomorrow sometime."

Jun 16, 2021 10:20:01 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos listens to Histra relate some of her family history, surprised at the necromancer's sharing. Then he notices Kal at he sterncastle with Captain Brack, with Kal looking through the spyglass at something behind the ship. When Shorak joins them, the tiefling rises from his seat and approaches them.

"What have we got?" he says. "Man or monster?"

Thul also comes up now, curious. When Melethos asks his question, the Karrn looks him up and down and chuckles. He looks a little drunk. "Indeed, Redman."

After Kal is done with the spyglass, Shorak and then Melethos can see the same thing.

---

* Think something akin to the Draken Harald Hårfagre (Viking longship design).

[Jeff]

Jun 16, 2021 10:34:49 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

"Family is clearly complicated. And people always end up finding a group of... supporters?... that substitute for family. But I sympathize with not feeling quite like you belong where you are. 'Disappeared' sounds vaguely ominous, I hope she just found a new group of chosen friends."

"So truly all your family are necromancers? Have you ever considered anything else? Though I see the value of specializing, but it also seems...limiting... Even to just all be arcanists... no one has ever shown aptitude for swords or accounting?"

Histra looks at Adamant in silence for a moment. Then: "Is that so strange, Adamant? Look at House Cannith. Blood members of the house are naturally skilled in engineering and, some, the powers of creation. But some aren't; they find administrative paths, or leave the house altogether. Those that stay, they don't all forge weapons and armor. Some make ships, others toys. And some forge soldiers." She reaches out and taps Adamant almost affectionately on the arm. Histra is definitely somewhat inebriated now. "But that's one organized, extended family. Now look to the ir'Serells; we are smaller by far. We cannot afford to lose momentum and indulge the whims of idle heirs. There is talent, but more important . . . dedication. Devotion, Adamant. You surely understand that." She sways a little and leans hard on Belarin for balance, then takes another sip of her drink. Her voice gets unusually loud and more aggressive. "I would as soon consider other paths as you would stray from the tenets of Dol Arrah. When you doubt your Lady exists, Adamant, you would still not walk away, would you . . . for it would take too long to find your way back to her. But would you listen intently to the gold-seeking faith-speak of Kol Korran? Would you follow the Sovereign of World and Wealth for a year? What of the dogma of the Dark Six?" Histra's voice intensifies, but she speaks quieter now. "Would you dabble in the ways of the Mockery or the Keeper, Adamant? 'Have you ever considered anything else?' other than what you are good at?"

The woman lapses into silence, and looks around somewhat fuzzily. "No," she murmurs. "You stay with what makes you strong."

[Ken]

Belarin lets Histra lean on him as she speaks, and then he puts an arm around her waist and tries to guide her in the direction of the hatch leading below. "And you make me stronger, my love," he says cheerily. "Now let's take a break and let them consider their stagnant life choices! Good night, everyone! Say goodnight, Histra!"

[Dave B.]

After looking through the spyglass, Shorak hands it to Melethos. "Hmm. It seems we should plan on a swift march as soon as we arrive on land." He smirks a bit, then adds, "I guess we'll need to hit the ground running, so to speak." He considers a moment then says, "We should take another look at the map first thing in the morning." He sips at his second cup of ale, still more than half full. "I forget. Are we going through the mountains or around?" He shrugs, "No matter. We can confirm that tomorrow. I think I'll grab a few more bites of that crab, since there is so much of it." Shorak makes his way back to the table and just starts picking some morsels from the platters and popping them in his mouth. He tosses some to Tangat between bites.

[Darren]

"I'll say it again...from here on out, we should assume everyone is an enemy. Streko!" Kal calls out for the Halfling. When he joins theny, Kal asks, "Can you call on Olladra to slow them down? Part the waters like you've done before? We don't necessarily need to sink them...just delay them."

[Joe]

Streko comes over at Kal's beckoning. He shakes his head. "Sadly, I am not prepared to do so at this time and, I could only hold such a powerful spell for ten minutes. Best use it to damage the ship and force the crew to swim ashore. At best, it would be a delaying tactic and it wouldn't be that much of a delay. Then again, I might be able to simply topple them over with a large wave if they get too close to us. Again, we need to disable. A delay wouldn't amount to much I think. However, if you wish me to make the attempt tomorrow, I can prepare prior to tonight's rest."

[Dave W.]

Adamant tries to squeeze in a word before Belarin takes Histra away. "I'm sorry, Histra. I did not intend to imply that you should change anything. It is more a question of the nature of families."

"My only real experience with families is us. And it had not struck me until you mentioned your cousin that some families… is it just the Great Houses? … do specialize."

"In any event I do apologize."

[Darren]

Jun 17, 2021 0:15:26 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko comes over at Kal's beckoning. He shakes his head. "Sadly, I am not prepared to do so at this time and, I could only hold such a powerful spell for ten minutes. Best use it to damage the ship and force the crew to swim ashore. At best, it would be a delaying tactic and it wouldn't be that much of a delay. Then again, I might be able to simply topple them over with a large wave if they get too close to us. Again, we need to disable. A delay wouldn't amount to much I think. However, if you wish me to make the attempt tomorrow, I can prepare prior to tonight's rest."

"Good," Kal says, once again raising the spyglass to look at the other ship. "Good," he repeats. "I will say it again...assume they are our enemies. Be ready to topple that ship in the morning. We take every advantage we can get from here on out." Kal hands the spyglass back to Brack. "Do you recognize them? Know anything about them?" Kal calls out for Sem. "What can you tell me about that type of ship?"

[Jeff]

After Adamant speaks, Histra just shakes her head with a mild smile and allows herself to be taken away, but she mutters to herself something about "there is no necro . . . necro . . . mancipation" for anyone. Whatever that means.

Meanwhile, on the bridge, Brack shrugs. "Learn what you can first, see who they are. I have my own rule: don't try and make enemies. I don't think it's one you'll adopt, though." He gives Kal a friendly but grim smile. "I just ask you don't make me some new enemies for the voyage back."

Kal calls out for Sem but finds that the gnome is not on the main deck. Hasn't been for a while, actually. He seems to slipped away from the party at some point.

[Darren]

Kal nods. "Understood, captain." Kal turns, disappointed to not find Sem present. Instead, he turns to Melethos. "Let's make sure watches are set throughout the night. We keep eyes on that ship at all times." He then heads below in search of the gnome.

[Brian]

"While I hate to bother Belarin and Histra," Melethos says, "would sending her tuath to check out the ship help? Or is it too lightless for sight at that distance?"

[Jeff]

Kal finds Sem sitting alone in the cargo hold; not trying to hide, but definitely seems to have been seeking some privacy. He's got one of his maps unfolded on the floor, and has a couple different books open. By the time Kal gets down to him, he feels the ship swaying a little more than usual. No, it's not the ship. Kal realizes he's been drinking a lot.

When Kal approached, he looks up. "Ahh, Kal. I found out more about those stairs I told you about that we're going to see tomorrow. The Ferdspan, 'Stairs of the Journey.'" He taps the page of one of his books, where there's even some sort of sketch. "An explorer a hundred years ago called it the Razor Stair, and the name stuck in explorers' circles. I'm not sure why, exactly—it might be the steepness, or the sheer climb. Giants carved them and used them often, and trying to travel west by any other route will add days to the journey, so we've got to do them."

"What can I help you with?" The gnome looks a bit tired, but seems to be wired with energy at the same time.