Taliori had been in a rush of sorts as soon as she had gotten the call. It had been brief, but clear. The man that was so far away calling out to her and telling her news that was terrible in it’s own.
She had to bring it to the Lord of the lands. A man that she rarely had conversed with, yet deserved above anyone else to know of it.
Esme Sunshard was dead.
At least, her soul was dead. Her body was still alive somehow. Even Quineven had struggled to explain that.
It had been hard news to pass along, yet one she had to be honest with. She struggled with answering the stream of questions and a man breaking down with anger and fear. She could only offer so much, and before she could so much as try and explain that Quineven was working to fix it, the man was gone. Off to the mountains that the mage resided in.
It left Embertree empty. Barren of leadership and left with a woman that knew it couldn’t remain so. And thus, Taliori and made a decision.
After speaking with the staff, she finally made her way to the wide and open library. There was a desk there- the owner was the woman herself who was subject to such a terrible fate.
Tali glanced over the table of neat stacks and the few papers that had been dropped off. Work that had been left behind and surely to be attended to after the woman came back.
That was, she meant to do it once she came back. No longer would that be possible.
There was a sigh that was released from Taliori, and she slowly slid into the foreign chair. She kept looking through the desk till finally she found blank paper and the ink required to write with. Preparing herself, she set out multiple sheafs of the paper and began to dip the pen to the ink.
After a long moment of consideration, the pen was brought to the paper and the monk began to write with her oh so nice script.
Captain,
You know that usually I would come in person to deliver news, but i’m afraid the time it would take for me to make my way to your home personally would be far too long. I don’t know if you will find this as urgent as the warlock Faervell had, but I need you to know all the same.
Esme is gone. By such, I mean that she appears to be dead, yet her body remains alive.
It is far more complicated than I can adequately explain, however I will try.
According to Quineven, a spell had been cast not but a day ago. It was some sort of spell that sent her spirit or soul to somewhere that is beyond our physical reach. A surge of energy abruptly cut the tether that kept her attached to the physical plane, and from that point on, she no longer remained there. It is as if she is a shell with nothing inside.
This led to a theory that she may have gone through what a few others appear to have gone through. There’s word around that there may be some sort of connection to the dead. I’m not sure how it works, and I don’t dare to assume that I could understand complex magic, but it may point us to where she went.
As of right now, I am assuming over whatever matters is needed here at Embertree since Faervell is gone as well. I can handle what affairs need to be, but I know that you would wish to know this news just the same.
I am sending for the others as well.
If you have any need for me, I am always at your disposal and will be here for you.
Be safe.
Taliori
Glancing over the letter twice over, she finally folded it up and set it aside. All prepared for the delivery that was to come. Yet, she didn’t go immediately. Instead she went to begin writing two more letters. Both were the same in their own ways, yet addressed to two different men.
It was short. Simple. Easy to understand.
“Come to Embertree.”
Both were folded and sent to the others of the crew.
The small woman slid back the chair and swept up the letters. Making her way hastily off, she’d find herself going to pass the letters on to the carriers. From there, directions were given and the messages were sent.
She watched until she could see no more, then gave a brief nod to herself as her eyes closed. She knew plenty of what she needed to do, but this was far more out of her range. She felt hesitant and a bit scared of herself. She never was good at this game that needed to be played in the absence of the Lady and Lord of Embertree, but at this point she felt obliged to take care of things.
Hopefully the others would come.
Hopefully she could maintain what needed to be done.
He’d been waiting for this. Resigned himself to it. He sat up, holding out his hands to be bound.
“How disappointing; I was hoping they had shoved your direhorn in here with you. It would have made for great amusement.”
Wait.
This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen.
He stepped up, following Thyssia to the cell door and looking out.
They were...escaping?
What?
How?
How did-
Now was not the time to consider that; now was the time to move.
Ith followed the others out, overwhelming the guards, taking back their things. It had never felt so good to load his rifle, the bolt sliding into place with a satisfying metallic double clack. There wasn’t much time to enjoy it; time was working against them. How they had escaped, where they were going- There wasn’t time to consider such things. Check the next corner, watch this alleyway, cover the right flank; hundreds of hours at the range and hundreds of hours drilling made the motions automatic, rote. Mechanical.
He’d leapt over a wall, sweeping the left flank with his rifle when Vaelrin held up a hand. Pressing against the wall, eyes snapped to where the Captain was looking.
Lazarus? Wearing the blue?
You are blindly following the path you have found, without questioning the rightness that you walk it, the worthiness you have that it is yours to claim.
Instinct said to draw the rifle to his shoulder, brace against something, draw in a half breath, and shoot. Standing, looking over Vaelrin’s shoulder as he squatted in a half-crouch, the wall already steadied him, sight posts were lined up-
You must learn to question when you do not understand-- do not blindly press forward when you have the chance to think.
‘I lost my father at a young age too,’ he made to put a hand on the young man’s shoulder, but thought better of it. If Lazarus had wanted to be touched, he would have made himself open to it, ‘If you ever want to talk, Lazarus, you only have to ask.’
The rifle was lowered, his finger relaxed off the trigger.
Wearing the blue wasn’t enough to condemn the young man to die.
Other things were more important, like making sure they escaped and that no one was left behind who didn’t want to be.
(Thanks to @forever-afk, @dorksworn, and @treyu for their contributions. I don’t have the original rp Laz, sorry, so I had to paraphrase)
Another fantastic piece by the wonderful, talented artist: alteya(@deviantart). This is a birthday/Christmas/just-because gift to @forever-afk. We have been friends now for 4-5 years, and we have been RPing all during that time. Their character, Vaelrin Firestorm, has become a large part of Esme Sunshard’s story, and I wanted something to finally show the two of them together. Thank you, Tiah, for everything. You are a good friend to me, I love you, and I appreciate you and all you do.
The task of finding and retrieving the elemental pylons as tasked by Lord Bloodreign was hardly as easy as first expected. But even with our losses and setbacks, we managed to accomplish it and much more. On the evening of the 5th, myself and a group of four others, Serathyel Bloodweaver, Alarthan Sunbreaker, Morzanmius Sunharvest, and Celthris, embarked from Farstriders’ Retreat to the Amani city of Tor’watha, with information that there were trolls gathering in the city and that the pylons were somewhere within. Resistance was encountered almost as soon as we entered the city, but the four managed to push through. I joined the party after being held back by a brief problem, but we were unfortunate to lose both Morzanmius and Celthris in the ensuing battle. While we were able to recover Celthris’ body and he seems to have used his powers to recover quite well, the same cannot be said for Morzanmius. We lost an incredible soldier in Tor’watha, but I will do everything possible to ensure that his regeneration is brought about as quickly as possible.
Myself, Bloodweaver, and Sunbreaker were unsuccessful in our efforts to defeat Dez’jin, leader of the Amani gathered in the city, and we were unfortunately captured. A rescue party mobilized, consisting of Vyntael Flamescar, Firioniel Bloodsworn, Lanleran Shadesworn, Phorgides Emberlight, and an associate of Pride - who managed to escape capture. The rest of us were kept inside the troll city throughout the night until word of our predicament could reach our allies.
(1/?)
Vaelrin Firestorm risked much, including his own recovery, to strike out and set us free from Tor’watha. We were able to recover the pylons, along with a set of scrolls of curious magics, and a bow that I supplied Lord Firestorm for his action and loyalty. We found plans that the Amani had been hiding for same time, preparing to attack the city. And when we left Tor’watha, we followed the trail of the war party to the Farstriders’ Retreat, only to find devastation. We were able to bring down the empowered troll leader with the help of our friends amongst us while the lesser factions of the city took care of the rabble. In the confusion, they seem to have recognized that the troll leader had encountered fel energy, we can only assume from the death of our friend Sunharvest. They questioned it, but seemed to find little answer. A search party was sent out to the city, but from what I have heard they found nothing.
(2/3)
While the other factions were distracted at the Farstriders’ Retreat, a number of us set out for the Azurebreeze Coast to bring the pylons together. Myself, Sunbreaker, Firestorm, Flamescar, Instana Netherwatch, and Taelryn Suncrest met with Lothos Riftwalker, a specialist in rituals of the planes. With his assistance, we were able to bring the pylons together and uses the essence sealed within Suncrest’s staff. What occurred next was something I could hardly believe with my own eyes. Before us was Eldin’arcus Sunstrider, son of Anasterian and brother of Kael’thas. He told us of the tricks of the Magisters, of the lies that had been spun about his brother. And he assured us that we were correct in our course of action, and that we would succeed in restoring him as the rightful Sun King. But for now, he is resting and safe. Our next task has been given to us, to search for the Anasterian Crown, which has been recently stolen. I implore each of you to investigate, use what you know so we may work together to find the crown and restore our King to his full glory. Blood for Blood!
[Note: This is a long read and not too terribly important to any storyline.]
The wind was fierce, slamming into the small fur covered form of Taliori. It grabbed at her unruly curls and whipped them about her despite it’s weight. Her movements forward, along the bridge, were slow and obviously weighed down by the cold. Her form was shivering, though it couldn't be told, and she was quite honestly just wishing that the length of this bridge would shorten just a bit… just to get to the other side, where there were fires… where it was less populated than the fortress behind her...
Taliori didn’t make it. Her body shivering and her limbs freezing to the point that she felt that she couldn’t go on. She let out a puff of a breath, her only form of a complaint and looked for some shelter for now. This is what she wanted, wasn't it? She found her refuge between the lip of the bridge and a wind worn rock, a small crevice of space in the perfect place to avoid the cutting wind. She approached and tucked herself into the space, pulling the cloak to her. It wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t terribly unbearable. Besides, she knew she couldn’t stay out here too long. No, this was just for a temporary rest. Someplace to collect her thoughts.
Her focus shifted… no longer was she determined to get to another point, all her thoughts pinned on a distant fire, she now listened to the whipping wind above her. Why had she come out here? Why was she feeling so terrible again? Embarrassment, guilt, pity, disappointment… familiarity.
Taliori was upset.
The little monk looked down at the books that were still clung tight in her hands, frowning down at them. Her day had started fine. She’d been resting by one of the fires, just closing her eyes for a few minutes and letting her mind wander over various things. Novaera found her. It was unreasonable to think that she wouldn’t have missed her. After all they had grown close, hadn’t they?
~~~
Novaera wanted affection. She immediately clung onto the smaller monk, showering her with kisses and all sorts of displays of affection. Taliori had tried. She felt her stomach twist. They were out in the open. She knew other people would walk through here. She didn’t like that. This wasn’t private. A surge of uncertainty caused her to hesitate; She tried to be patient. This was natural, wasn’t it? They were ‘together’, right? She played along, smiling, focusing on Nova for now, but as she felt herself being tugged down, a surge of embarrassment erupted and she struggled to get away. She didn’t like this. But she didn’t want to upset her… no…
Taliori had managed to get away, immediately feeling the sense of guilt wash over her. She curled the fur blanket around her, close. She didn’t want to look at Novaera, she could just sense the disappointment. The awkwardness that was left.
“Is everything okay?” Nova had asked.
Taliori assured her. She knew she assured her of it. That’s the right response. That’s what you’re supposed to say. Don’t worry her, you’re just trying to help her.
‘Good’ a small smile.
The conversation went on, she put on her smiles.
Gabriel showed up then. She was desperate for an escape at that time, disliking the atmosphere between the two of them. She wanted to escape it, to fall into a presence that was more familiar. Something more comfortable.
Taliori knew what this business was about. It was to be expected. This was to get their payment from the woman named Cere’thien. That’s all it would be. She’d be able to get the books, the information, an answer to a question she unknowingly found herself asking.
~~~
A harsher wind blew over the monks head, suddenly she shivered a bit, no longer moving and providing herself warmth in such a manner. It had pulled her from her thoughts, leaving her to realize just how cold it was again. She let out a breath, watching the little cloud of warmth leave her body before she hunched her shoulders and set her mind back to what had happened… to figure out what she’d done wrong.
~~~
The presentation of the artifact was simple. She got her books, Gabriel got what he wanted, then he left her there with that other woman. A woman that she still felt uncertain with. She was a proper lady, someone to be respected, yet oddly over dramatic in Taliori’s eyes. Especially as of late when she’d seen her. She hadn’t particularly any interest in her, nor did she want to get too closely tied to nobility. No, no… that would only result in bad things, considering.
The only reason she sat there listening to this woman’s family history was for the mere fact that there was a small part of her that was concerned for another. Cere’thien had spoke of having magical abilities. Something beyond what she used now. The arcane arts, Taliori had assumed. Something had happened to cause her to lose that ability, and it was -that- which the little monk was so intensely curious. A small flash of concern for a distant off figure, that intense lingering tug in her chest that caused her to desperately seek out answers to problems that were non-existent. She merely wanted to assure that that person… that woman… that she would be alright. That perhaps, if something would happen, Taliori could prove her use to her then. She’d be so grateful for such.
The answer she got wasn’t what she wanted…
“Can you think how that might feel? To have something torn away from you, and something else unnatural given in return?”
Cere’thiens words echoed in her head. She was uncertain why she felt so upset over them. Perhaps it was pity for the other woman. Pity, because Taliori -did- know what it felt like. After all, she could recall many times that she’d been forced into situations that took more away from her in the end when they were inevitably taken away. Though the situation was different. She had no magical abilities like Cere’thien did. She did nothing risky such as tap into ley lines, as this woman had. Her problems… her experiences… they were so small in comparison, she believed.
Disappointment. A lidded gaze staring down at her from somewhere far above her. A cool voice, tinged with annoyance at her stupidity. ‘Stop thinking so highly of yourself. It is unbecoming.’
Taliori felt even smaller than before. Her entire body had stiffened up at that point as her thoughts had reminded her of that. She was embarrassed and scared. She’d stepped out of line and the solution was to leave. She did exactly as she was always told to.
Straighten your spine, Taliorinth.
Look them in the eye, Taliorinth.
Smile, Taliorinth.
You’re now bowing deep enough, Taliorinth.
This isn’t hard, Taliorinth.
Speak louder or keep your mouth shut, Taliorinth.
Don’t ruin this, Taliorinth.
When Cere’thien was concerned suddenly, fear swelled up in her chest. Her heart began to beat rapidly. She’d messed up somehow. Her mind quickly raced for a solution, something to assure her that everything was fine. She put on a smile. She spoke politely. She said the words that would comfort the older woman. Don’t worry her.
Taliori had found herself stuck there. Clinging to those five books she’d traded a priceless artifact for and watching the Lady Blackwood use her magic to restore it. It was a fanciful event. A show of power that was beautiful, but Taliori would not gawk. No, she was being polite. Sitting there. Waiting till she could go.
She felt uncomfortable.
Once again, she was denied her escape. Instead, drawn back down to present this to the newly wedded Lord Firestorm- The Captain. She tried to calm down, taking in deep breaths as they made their way down. She tried to focus on anything other than that lingering fear that followed her like her own shadow. It stayed there, even as she stood back, watching the Captain open the cloth then quickly walk off. He practically ran.
There was a moment of awkwardness before finally, she knew she could slip away from everyone again. Finally, she could get a breath of air. Her feet turned, still clinging to the black books like they were the only thing holding her together as she quickly made for the only place that hardly anyone would go. To the cold… past, where there were a few fires and even fewer faces.
~~~
In the crevice in the middle of the bridge, she curled up under the fur blankets. Her eyes staring down at those books she so wanted before, but felt no desire for any longer. She tossed them before her, curling up tighter and ducking her head in.
She couldn’t shake that feeling that someone would descend on her. That soon she’d hear a list of all that she’d done wrong, what she should have done, telling her how idiotic she was. How she should’ve known better, because after all, she had played her part plenty of times. Someone whom merely sat behind the others and was a mere physical representation. She wasn’t supposed to speak up unless she was required to.
Taliori shook her head some, resisting a small shudder through her body. No, that wasn’t her anymore. She knew that.
She took deep breaths. She spoke softly, reassuring herself that she was fine. She hadn’t messed anything up, and even if she did, it would be forgotten. The tenseness began to sink away into the chilled air, her body numbing with each passing moment. She probably shouldn’t be out here for much longer. Perhaps go back to trying to get to the fires on the other side of the bridge and start reading these books. That way she’d be at least doing something.
Before she could finalize any sort of decision, her name was called out over the comms by the ever so familiar voice of the Captain. She frowned a bit, concerned that she may be in trouble for perhaps whatever it was that upset him about the necklace. She dug out her stone quickly, clearing her throat before she clicked it on and answered.
A few minutes later, and the Captain followed by Gabriel found her there, wrapped up in the furs and just staring up at them. She knew it probably was rather odd for her to be sitting out here, and it’s not like she expected someone to come out and find her. That was the entire point of leaving the fortress. But, of course, this was the Captain, and it wasn’t like she was going to be hiding from him or anything.
He didn’t sound angry, or at least, Taliori didn’t think he did. That was at least one good thing, but it was never something to wholly trust, considering how quick he was -to- anger. He asked the obvious question of what she was doing there and she answered honestly.
She needed air.
That was the right answer, right? To be truthful, to an extent, and not worry the Captain… especially not the captain. But that wasn’t how it went.
“Have I done something wrong?” She stiffened up at the question, that fear that was finally subsiding swelling up in her chest again. She swallowed down quickly, shaking her head before she repeated the actions that she’d done often enough today.
She straightened up, she spoke properly and quickly, and she assured him that nothing was wrong. That’s what she’s supposed to say in those situations. Always what she’s supposed to do, even if something was wrong.
He accepted the answer, thankfully, and instead asked her to come with the pair to… wherever they were going. He even went so far as to extend his hand to help her.
Her brows twitched briefly with the hidden conflict. She didn’t want to go anywhere near back to the fortress, which was where he more than likely was heading.
Despite this, she didn’t want to disappoint the Captain any further. She grabbed up her books, pulling them close to her again, then reached up to take the hand and get back up to her feet to follow.
She stuck behind them, following without another word, not troubling them in the least. Moving back up to the top of the fortress. There was a conversation had between the three of them, but Taliori hadn’t paid much mind to it. After all, this was all Gabriel’s idea. He’s the one that took on this job, she just helped him.
Once again, the Captain left, heading towards the Lady Blackwood who appeared again back in the shadows of this level. She was left alone with Gabriel, which was somehow even worse.
Immediately, despite how often he hardly showed such care, he turned on her and asked her what was wrong. Another person… She’d messed up again, causing them to think something was wrong. She was tired of playing this same game, assuring them of the fact that, no, nothing was wrong. That everything was fine and they shouldn’t bother with her.
She looked over to Gabriel, her thoughts slowing her down, causing her to lag behind before she stated the same response. He didn’t believe her. She could tell he didn’t. She knew he didn’t.
A sharp slap. Confusion filling her mind as the pain scrambled her thoughts. Sharp words bit into her, each word a stabbing sensation. ‘Don’t lie, Taliorinth. Just tell them the truth. That’s all you do, Taliorinth! How stupid do you have to be to fail that!’
The memory caused her to change, a look of conflict passing over her features. She wanted to tell him her truth, but it wasn’t the truth that needed to be heard. At such a point, she wanted to talk to someone that she knew would listen unquestioningly. Someone whom she trusted. Someone like Gabe… But... She knew better than that.
It wasn’t her place to trouble other people in such a way. With such a small, unnecessary burden such as what was on her mind now.
Instead, she found herself escaping by going back to the Captain, following with Gabriel till they sat again at his sides.
It was the necklace again. Shining and bright and filled with some hidden power that Taliori was too stupid to understand. She wanted to leave. She didn’t feel comfortable here. But she didn’t move. She couldn’t move. Not until she knew it would be alright for her to leave.
So there she stood. Waiting. She desperately wanted to go, answering questions when it was necessary, only offering her responses when it was appropriate. While this was obviously something important to the Captain, she just didn’t understand. She never understood…
Finally, the Captain turned and left. There was one glance sent between the others before she took hold of her books and quickly made off. She didn’t even hear Cere’thiens words as she left, focused instead to getting as far away from here as possible. As far away from people as possible.
And when she found that place? A small journal was pulled out from one of her large pockets. A pen, tucked into the pages, was raised and held over the first empty spot on the next page. A small breath was taken before slowly, in a small, elegant and well practiced script, she began to write over the events of the day.
