The characters are all resting in Captain Frotes room. Everyone has collapsed, Dril has just shucked his armor off and gone to sleep on a pillow. They all awaken after hours of rest when the morning light starts coming through the window.
Gashnak gets up and splashes some water on his face, the cold helping him wake up. Happy not to wake up to the sounds of imminent battle. Everyone else gets up and gets clean, then go out looking for some food. Brell from Bachra has brought some supplies along with the friendly Akrindorians.
Waking up on Ganom's desk is Alric. "I got the army here guys," he says with a little smile on his face. "But it looks like you took care of everything before the reinforcements could help."
Stretching and yawning Kazier looks over. "Yah, better late than never. I think I am gonna go out and find some ale. With a victory like this I need to do some serious drinking." With that he heads on out, hoping to find at least one tavern that is open or some alcohol. The conflict has stressed him quite a bit and knocking back some drinks sounds really good.
The general spirits of the city are high, the tired defenders are truly pleased to see these new people. A lot of friendly Akrindorians are down there, light haired unlike the dark complexioned ones that had fought against the city. These are ones under the guidance of Queen Kayla. They are handing out what supplies they have, assisting all that they can. Though barbarians they are quite friendly, definitely a different group than the massive mob that had been battling the city for a month.
The fact that Draman Del has endured against such horrible odds is an incredible thing. The battle had raged for a month but the city did not fall. With the enemy army destroyed and on the run with the help of the Bachrans, the centaurs, and the friendly Akrindorians those who have survived are very much at ease now.
However there is a lot of dead. The slain foes are taken out and heaped into great mounds of corpses on the plains of Akrindor, where they are set to burn. Those who died defending Draman Del are taken to the Brudic side and given proper funerary rites. These are solemn and sad events, but ones that are done with the utmost respect for those who gave their lives.
The city is not utterly destroyed, but it will take much for it to recover. The outer walls are devastated, the vast majority of the wooden structures on the interior have been burned or damaged. It will take years, if not decades, for it to be re-built and return to what it had once been before. Draman Del will be forever changed.
For the mis-matched group of adventurers this has been their first good night's sleep in a long time. Radofax's home was nice, but this is better here in the real world. We are not waking up for battle. There are not a bunch of barbarians trying to kill us and this is good.
Gashnak turns to the group, everyone slowly stretching and yawning. "Well we have a choice to make. We know that General Rangh is trapped in the Underworld, we need to decide if we are going after him and help him out or not ."
At the window Malik looks out, seeing the mostly ruined city. "We've only won a small battle and the Knights of Discord are still searching for the Guardian Sword. They still want to recreate Marg. We'll need to take Asgadrath with us."
"We need to go to Draman Rex, that town Ganom talked about." Gashnak looks over to his assortment of weapons and armor now, knowing that he is getting quite a collection. "General Rangh's armor belongs to Draman Del. It's belongs to the city."
For the first hour of dawn they discuss their future plans. It is agreed that the Guardian Sword must be found for it is the only thing keeping the Knights of Discord from bringing Marg back to existence. Ganom believes that it is now in or around Draman Rex, or Bluff City now. He's no geographer, but from the texts he's read that's where it will probably be now.
While they talk they get some cold food to eat. Of them all Jinx still looks exhausted, however she does contribute a lot to what they might be planning. She sits down in a chair, getting a little to eat. There are dark circles under her eyes and she looks utterly exhausted. Gashnak notices this but says nothing, but does keep an eye on her. Her energy from the victory from the day before seems to have utterly left her.
"Here's the catch," says Jinx. " If we get the Guardian Sword and destroy just one of the Knights of Discord, they will never be able to bring Marg back. The rest of the Knights would just become powerful evil minions, but would never be able to reconstitute their dark god again."
Alric buzzes up and lands on the desk, raising his tiny hands into the air. "Then that is what we've got to do then."
It is decided that they will rest here for a few days, get their strength back, and then go after the Guardian Sword. Once they get it they can then free General Rangh from the Underworld, hopefully correcting that frightening situation they saw there. When that is done they can all head southwest to join the battle at Holaf.
Hearing all of this Ganom wistfully runs a finger across his face. "I would have loved to have met General Rangh in the flesh. It will be incredible if we can truly bring him back. Gadrath, we all know, was a brilliant sorcerer. His planning helped save this city as well as any of the actions we took you know."
Everyone agrees that this is the way to go, only Alex wonders if she will stay with the group. "I am not sure what I will be doing next. My sister went back to Bird Keep and we did what we came to do here in Draman Del and that was saving the city." She glances over to Gashnak, "I am just not sure where I'll be going next.."
The big orc says nothing, but knows that there has been a growing tension between him and Alex ever since he remembered who he truly was back at the monastary of the Scarlet Brotherhood. When he was crazy, he was much more likable. Sane, he is not. However what Jinx told him in Radofax's home about Maurice and Earil-Gania has put him much more at ease.
He looks to Alex and sees how beautiful she is, and almost reels knowing what he's done with her. Never in his wildest dreams as a child would he have ever had the affections of such a person. But, he realizes that he might very well be on the verge of losing her.
Over the course of this morning discussion, age comes in. All share a good laugh when they hear about how old they are in comparison with each other. Alric, the mighty pixie sorcerer that he is, is only 7 years old. To his people he is middle-aged. Gashnak, he is 12, just getting to adulthood. Wilford is 20, having been considered a grown man for many years now. Dril, though looking very old is only 29 in reality. Alex is mature by her race's standards, being 109. Ganom laughs saying "I'm older than all of you combined."
Having a good chuckle Gashnak looks towards Alex and gives her one of his wolfish grins. "I can't believe you were 97 years old when I was born!"
Alric laughs merrily too. "Yeah Gashnak, you got a thing for older women!" Hearing this Alex just gives a nasty glance to the happy little pixie.
"Don't worry about this though," says Dril. "When you were crazy you thought you were 120 year old elf, right?"
Malik just gives a shrug. "I have no idea what my age is. My memory is still . . . Quite foggy."
The group continues their discussion for a bit. All truly are relieved that the fighting here seems to be over. It was quite a struggle and each of them aches and feels drained. Going over to one of Frote's elegant guest chairs, Jinx sits down, leans back, and goes to sleep.
While eating some meat, chewing it slowly, Dril wonders about his warg. He figures it probably drowned in the flood or got killed by accident in all the fighting. Still, he hopes it might be out there somewhere because he was growing attached to it.
Wilford wants to look for Vraden, wondering where he might be. Wilford still wants to duel the man and regain his honor. He knows that the man has probably fled the city, but is compelled to find him and fight him, to avenge what he did against the innocent dwarves.
Malik is the first to leave. "I need to find Borem, the armorer. He's kind of like a father to me you know. Took me in. I don't even know if he's alive."
"Check and see if he's got some of that dragon armor stored away will ya?" Asks Alric.
"I will."
Alric then starts studying the magical texts of Gadrath along with Ganom. He desperately wants to learn the enchantment spell. The Gate one he had used earlier to move the thousand troops up worked very well. Ganom is translating them bit by bit, but since he has no magical powers he gets some help from Alric in doing this.
"I am going to try and find Vraden," says Wilford, strapping on his rapier to his side.
Dril raises his hand, going over and starts getting on his reddish, dragon-hide armor. "Let me go with you. I've got a disagreement with him too." He slides the double-headed axe, his hanji-shah into the sheath on his back. "Let's go."
Together the duellist and the ill-tempered sprig head on out and begin their search for the treacherous Vraden. Dril wonders how his leg injury might be doing, smiling to himself.
Gashnak and Alex go out to try and find some food to bring back. When outside he starts to try and guage Alex, wondering if she is going to come along on the mission to find the Guardian sword. He knows things are different now and is trying to think how she feels about it. They make quite a pair, a gorilla-ugly orc and an incredibly beautiful elven babe. They do draw some attention as they go out.
The fair-haired Akrindorians under Queen Kayla and their centaur allies continue to help in the city. They tend the wounded, bring food, guard and patrol the outer defenses. They are exceptionally helpful and know what they are doing. Dermon is taking a break now, not constantly having to save lives all the time. The elderly man is catching up on some much needed rest.
On the other side of the city, towards Brudic and the Cursed Woods, they seem to be making preparations for some sort of victory celebration. It will take a day or two to prepare, but tents and pavillions are being set up. Most of this is done by the friendly Akdrindorians. From the way things look to be shaping up it will probably be one gigantic party.
Atop the main tower remain two of the airships from Bachra. Brell is still conferring with General Treman but will probably be heading southward to assist in Holaf before too much longer.
Malik finds Borem back at his shop, fixing it up. With all the fighting and battling that had been going on he had wondered if Borem had made it. He's rebuilding it from all the water damage it took. Some of the other helpers are there as well. Borem is trying to push back a warped, wooden wall, with little success right now. "Let me give you a hand with that old man."
"Old man?" Says the grizzled Borem, turning around, his scowl turning to a smile, seeing Malik. "The old man that took you in and fed you? At least I know who I am." He laughs, clapping Malik on the shoulder quite pleased to see him. "Did you ever figure out who you were?"
"Not yet. I've just been surviving." Though it has only been a few weeks since all this started, Borem does see the fresh scars on his friend's body, the toughend look in his eyes.
"Well, it is good to see you again." The two shake hands and Malik starts giving his friend some help in getting the shop back in order.
Alex and Gashnak head over to the Blue Eagle, hoping to get a bit of food. On the way there they see Captain Frotes talking with Tova. Both head on over and Gashnak gives their old commander a salute. "Captain Frotes, good to see you again," they shake hands. "Good to see you as well Tova. I thought you might have been killed."
"Gashnak, good to see you again."
"How are things going my friend?"
"Repairing the damage but spirits are high. Kayla came at a good time." Frotes looks out at all the incredible destruction, bodies still being found and carried away. To him it all still seems surreal, like it's a type of dream. "I don't think we would have lasted much longer, even with the second Gawk destroyed."
"It was a tough fight," says Gashnak. "I don't know how much longer we'll be here, our group. We need to find the Guardian Sword. Things in the Underworld were not as orderly there as we would have liked. When we get the blade we'll set it straight, and hopefully bring General Rangh back."
"Really? He's alive?" Frotes eyes widen at this bit of news, wondering whether this is a some sort of poor joke. But looking over to Alex seeing her expression he realizes that as fantastic as what Gashnak is saying, it must be the truth.
"Yes. I just used his sword and armor for a bit, it's his stuff. I'll leave it here for Draman Del, and probably the sword too." Closing his eyes he remembers how he appeared in the beautiful silver armor of the ancient hero Rangh. "I looked good in it didn't I?"
"You looked good," answers Frotes. "You and your friends were very impressive."
Talking with Tova Alex asks him about what happend to Dondre, his girlfriend. The friendly barbarian looks skyward for a moment, as if recalling the events are painful to him. "After the Wild Pony got burned down I went and had her hidden. She's safe. It got me worried some, but she's fine."
After a bit more friendly chatting, they all shake hands again. Alex and Gashnak continue on through the damaged streets of Draman Del, heading towards the Blue Eagle.
They walk in silence, neither speaking for several moments. Inside his head Gashnak has a whirlwind of emotions, and tries to find the proper way to say what he is feeling. "Alex, I am not the person I thought I was. I am different. But I know who I am now. I just want to say, that the time I've spent with you, over all these adventures, has meant a lot to me. I have worried about you, but that is because you are my friend."
She slows down some, looking over at him lumbering gracefully along side. When she speaks her voice is soft, almost sad. "You were happy as Maurice, giddy, joyful. Then you were the brooding, hateful Gashnak. Now you seem to be a blend of both. Who are you now?"
"I am me." He stops, and looks her in the eyes and almost gets lost in the beauty he sees there. "I had some friends who died some time back that drove me over the edge, making me crazy. They had been with me since my childhood, and when they got killed by goblins in the Cursed Woods it caused something in my mind to snap. I became my friend, Maurice leChavilier."
Listening to him she can feel the pain in his voice. Recalling these events and explaining them to her are certainly difficult. She is still amazed with how well he can speak, his mannerisms, how he is so different from every other orc she has ever met. The more he talks, the more he tells her, the more she begins to understand the complex background of this very unusual person.
Gashnak goes on to tell her about what Jinx had told him in the Underworld, about how his two departed friends, Maurice and Earil-Gania, did not blame him in their deaths. In fact they were honored by what he did afterwards, continuing to fight and not giving up. "When I learned that," he says," it was like a weight was lifted from my soul. I wasn't so depressed anymore, so angry at the world."
"But the way you act normally, it's so different from what I've come to expect from your kind. You know, orcs. They are usually rather brutal, inarticulate and dirty. You aren't that way. You even speak elvish."
"Well, let me tell you about that. Now my parents were orcish but my step-parents were elvish. My real folks went with King Michael II on the Great Crusade against Kilmoor in 946 and got killed. My step parents taught me a lot of elvish things. That is why I can speak the language so well through these wolf teeth of mine!" He gives her a ridiculous, savage grin making her laugh.
"So you were raised by elves?"
"Yes, my lady," he says in Elvish. "Things have never been boring for me since I joined the Imperial Wardens along with Maurice and Earil. It has been quite an adventure. If you want to return back to Sigel at Bird Keep, I would understand."
Slowly both turn and continue towards the tavern. "That's not my goal. My goal is to join the Silver Gauntlets or the Order of the Silver Griffins. The King's special warriors. I was well on my way to joining them before Cedric got assassinated."
"As long as I am serving Corvel, I am doing my job." He looks at her. "I can't believe you are a hundred and nine. I hope this age thing won't be a problem."
"Ha. Well, I don't think either of us are going to die from old age. Let the nobility and the rich die in their beds that way."
Together they arrive at the Blue Eagle. The place is pretty torn up and low on supplies, but the inn keeper does recognize the two of them. He lets them know their horses are still there as is Dril's warg. "I would consider it a favor if you would get rid of that monster furball, it's been bothersome."
"Ha, I thought the thing had drowned," says Gashnak wistfully.
They get some food and bring it back to Frote's office, some bread, some stew. Nothing fantastic but it will fill their bellies some.
Once there they find that Jinx is asleep in a chair and Gashnak gently picks her up and puts her to bed. She weighs almost nothing, and then takes off her shoes. She doesn't wake at all. He puts a sheet up over her. "Alex, would you go out and try and find another healer. I would like to have Jinx looked at. You could persuade somebody to come back better than I could I think."
"I'll do my best. I know I got tits and ass, and somebody will follow me more likely than you"
Gashnak grins back at her. "I got those too, but yours is a lot more pretty."
He stays with her as Alex goes out. Gashnak pulls up a chair, sets out his blades, and stays there. While she's resting he realizes his armor and clothing is pretty torn up and needs to get repaired.
Alex runs into Dril and Wilford while they are looking for Vraden. "Hey Dril, your warg is still in the Blue Eagle's stables. You might want to get it, I hear it's causing trouble."
Now learning where his old mount is, Dril heads that way. The warg is caged, and is obviously starving, moving back and forth, growling and snapping, not in a good mood. The horses in other stables are quite nervous.
Being a clever and unscrupulous sprig, he goes out and finds himself a dead Akrindorian. Taking out his hanji-shah he chops his leg off, and non-chalantly carries it over his shoulder back to the stables. Many people do stare at him, wondering what the hell is going on. With great care he feeds the leg to the beast, and it devours it with it's sharp teeth. Dril is careful it doesn't take off one of his hands as he does this. Once fed, the warg seems more agreeable.
Afterwards he takes it out to the Brudic side of the city and rides it some in the Cursed Woods. It really enjoys being free, running wild through open spaces, through trees and brush. Dril does what he can to soothe the beast's feelings, getting it back under his guidance. It is a wild creature, but it remembers him, and before too long the sprig once more has it in his good graces.
There is a knock at the door at Frote's office. General Adaran is there. He is the commander of the army that Alric had gated through. He wants to head back now, seeing that nothing else here needs to be done. There is battle in Holaf and he and troops wish to head that way now.
Alric sighs, hating to tear himself away from studying the magic book. "I can gate you guys south to Redshore and then you can take a ship on over to the action. Will that work for you?"
"That is acceptable. I would like do this as soon as possible. I talked to Captain Brell, but he doesn't have enough room on his airships to get us south. Not for my thousand men." The General looks around the office, seeing all the books and maps laid out. "We came here to fight for Corvel. Now that Draman Del is safe we need to go back to the assistance of Prince Marcus."
Hearing this from the other room Gashnak comes on out. "General Adaran is right. We need to get back into the action as soon as possible too. Once the celebration is over . . ."
Adaran turns, looking at the big orc. By this time he has heard a great many stories about this odd group of adventurers and how much they have done. "You people have been battling here for a month. You have earned some respite. Enjoy your celebration. I know you will come to Holaf as soon as you can."
Alric goes out on the Brudic side of Draman Del, beyond the areas where they are preparing the celebrations. There, at the edge of the Cursed Woods with mountains to either side, he begins to cocentrate, and begins drawing out intricate runes and powerful sigils on a level area of stone. In his mind he focuses in on Redshore, setting the exit point for this complex enchantment to the outskirts of the town.
While he is doing this General Adaran gets his soldiers ready. Several times during the very long and complicated spell, Alric stops and begins again. The workings of dimensions and plane-shifting is a tricky business and he wants to make sure the gate leads to where he wants it to go, and not out to sea or a mile above the earth.
Eventually he gets it right and General Adaran leads his troops through, vanishing in a whirl of sparkling light as they go. The people who are nearby are a bit taken by surprise, but with all that is going on in Draman Del lately, they soon go back to whatever it is they were doing.
Alex returns with Queen Kayla, which surprises Gashnak somewhat. He stands and bows briefly, knowing instinctively she is not one to be coddled. She is very athletic in build and has intricate tatoos similar to the ones Tova has on his body. At her side is a sword sheathed in wrappings of fur. With her mane of blonde hair she very much looks like the barbarian leader that she is.
"What is the problem with your friend?" She asks in a strange accent, looking over the still sleeping Jinx. "I have some healing powers that might help."
Gashnak quickly tells Kayla how the group had gone through a doorway in space, to the Underworld. There, at the Fortress of Souls was the Throne of Azoth and that Jinx sat on it. For a few moments she channelled thousands of lost spirits through her, each imparting a piece of themself to her. After that she has never quite recovered.
The barbarian queen listens to all this, there is a look of skepticism in her eyes. However it is soon dispelled, convinced by the way the orc talks to her. Though his tale is fantastic he is telling the truth, she knows this.
"She's my friend, and I want her helped."
"I will see what I can do." Very carefully Kayla, along with Alex remove Jinx's blue robes and garments getting her to bare flesh. The barbarian queen examines her, looking for wounds and signs of infection. Gashnak steps back a few feet, somewhat embarassed to see Jinx like this. On her shoulder is a little tatoo of some armor and a crossbow.
After the examination Kayla once again covers her in blankets. "Your friend is very pale and I can see she has endured much. However her spirit is very strong, incredibly so. I can feel the fire in her. But the body is sick. She will be weak for a time but should recover. Keep her warm, keep water nearby, and in a few days she shall regain her strength."
Gashnak bows again. "Many thanks, Queen Kayla. I will stay with her until she is better."
For the rest of the day Gashnak stays close by his friend. Alex stays for a bit before heading out, realizing that he does have a very strong sense of duty, of loyalty, to those he cares about. She is unsure whether to stay with this strange group or return to Amy at Bird Keep. It has been quite an adventure but more than once she has found herself in dire circumstances.
Later on that day everyone in the entire group makes it down to where Borem's armor shop is. Their clothes, their armor, is all pretty torn up over the past few weeks of near constant fighting. The big man is more than pleased to repair what damage he can, letting them know that it might take a day or two. For the rest of the time, everyone takes it easy wearing tunics, robes, or other simple, light clothing. Only Dril keeps his dragon armor on, enjoying looking like the fearsomest sprig of all.
All of the dragon armor that had been stored there has been lost except for a very small amount. With great care and special tools, Borem crafts a miniature toga for Alric. It only takes an hour or so, manipulating razor-edged tools and diamond tipped needles he makes this tiny outfit.
When Alric gets it he's very pleased, for it is indeed quite light and strong. He flies through the air doing several loops and spins. "Wheeee!" He cries out in joy, now knowing he might actually take a graze from a weapon in battle and not be split in two.
While their armor is being repaired and polished up, the group goes to wearing simple tunics, robes and cloaks. Leaving Borem's armor shop they appear to be very well armed peasants, not the warriors they really are. Only Dril still looks ferocious, his one good eye glaring from beneath his dragonscale helm.
In time Jinx wakes up, and looks to see Gashnak nearby, wearing simple white robes now. She is momentarily confused, slowly getting her bearings. "Hi. What's going on? Where is everybody?"
The big orc gives her some water which she drinks immediately. "Everyone is out taking care of business. Our people are relaxing some. The Akrindorians and centaurs are helping out Dermon with the wounded and defense. It's looking pretty good out there now."
Jinx puts the water down and sits up, realizing that she has been disrobed while she was asleep. She narrows her eyes somewhat and looks over at Gashnak. He shakes his head. "It wasn't me that did that. It was Kayla and Alex. You were out of it big time not long ago and wanted to make sure you were all right."
"I'm fine," she says, reaching out for her blue robe. "If there are people hurt out there I need to be tending them."
Gashnak puts a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. "No, no you aren't. Kayla examined you and tells us your sick, physically ill. It's your turn to do some resting, you're the one hurt this time."
She turns and stares at the big orc. "But I feel fine," she tells him in a none too convincing voice. "I am a healer."
"So heal yourself." Slowly, reluctantly, Jinx eases back into the bed, still weak. Though it angers her a bit she knows that Gashnak is right. "Let me get you some soup."
Stubbornly Jinx sits in bed, barely having the strength to feed herself. Gashnak just sits by her, combing his long, dark hair back over his head. "Jinx, what is your real name? I know the folks down in Redshore gave it to you but it really isn't who you are."
Setting the soup down she looks over towards him. "You know you've never asked me that question before. We've known each other a long time you know."
"Yah, I know. But who are you Jinx? You know who I really am, time to return the favor."
She looks out the open window at the darkening sky. "My name, my real name. It's Jovena."
"Jovena," says Gashnak, comitting it to memory. "A lovely name."
The group rests up that evening, Wilford returns unhappy he was unable to find Vraden among the teeming hordes of people out there. In fact it becomes nearly an obsession, driving away all other thoughts. Even his dreams of the woman he cares for in Redshore are pushed aside by this desire for revenge.
The next day the celebration begins in the early afternoon. Flying high on the uppermost wall of Draman Del are three flags. One of Akrindor, one of Corvel, and one of the city itself. There is a crisp wind and they flutter proudly in that breeze for all to see.
All about are musicians, Akrindorian entertainers, and contests of skill. Plus there are dozens of kegs of wine and ale about, all open for everyone. In fire pits various meats are being cooked, steer, boar, and veal. Music, the smell of food, and laughter abounds. There is a sense of joyfulness that no one here has had in a good long while. People from Draman Del, friendly Akrindorians, centaurs, and few people from Bachra, all mill about enjoying these festivities.
Jinx feels better by nightfall and with a little help goes on out to take part in all of this. Before going however she stops by a Temple of Rellian and does some praying. She lights several candles. Both Gashnak and Alex keep close by her, making sure she doesn't trip or otherwise hurt herself.
Both Dril and Malik go off to see Teider and the Red Priests. Before they leave the both of them would like to learn a bit more about the art of hand to hand combat. The Red Priests, dedicated to war, have no problem with giving both of them some tips. They spend the afternoon getting thrown, punched, and knocked around as they are instructed in how to beat the living tar out of someone.
Nearby Dril's warg just watches, munching on yet another body part his master has tossed to him. Eventually, after getting their share of bruises and advice, they clean up and head out to get a few drinks. From the pummelings they've taken both believe they could use a few drinks.
Everyone goes out to see this festival, even the ever-studious Ganom and Alric. The spell of Enchantment is still eluding translation, and Alric is frustrated by this. However they both decide it would be good to go and take a break and try to enjoy themselves.
Many of the people here come up and shake hands with the group, knowing what their part was in this most difficult conflict. All of this attention they get is a bit embarassing, but they take it in stride. This sense of celebrity makes them somewhat uncomfortable. "We all did what we had to do," is the answer they give the most.
With so much drink about everyone has their fill. Tova comes up and gives the group several bottles of his infamous ‘dream-ale.' All remember how intense this stuff is. Gashnak dilutes it with other more common ales, getting the flavor but not the mind-numbing buzz.
Alric sees Gashnak with the girls and decides to be pranksterish. He casts a glamor on him, making him appear as how he had envisioned the ‘old Maurice' to be. Everyone now sees Gashnak as a rather beefy elf with a heroically large moustache.
Alex looks to him. "Is that you, Gashnak?" She asks a little unnerved by how he suddenly appears. Both of the girls can tell it is their friend, he just looks really strange now.
"Yes," he replies in a huffy voice. "Alric, you better take this spell off. You are getting me mad!" The pixie just laughs and flies off. He enjoys bugging Gashnak, letting his pranksterish nature take over.
Determined to get back at the pixie, Gashnak goes back to Frotes's office and picks up Gadrath's spellbook. He also goes around and finds another, more useless tome that superficially resembles the tome Ganom and Alric have been studying. Returning to the festival he goes and finds Alric, still pointing and laughing at him sitting up in a tree. His magic is still working and Gashnak still looks like a large elf.
Taking out the fake tome he shows it to Alric which immediately gets his attention. The laughing instantly stops. He holds it out by a nearby fire, getting dangerously close to within burn range. "Better take the spell off Alric, or your precious magic book is going to get singed!"
"You aren't going to burn that!" Alric starts panicking, flying around madly, getting ready to toss some type of hold spell on Gashnak to stop him from doing the unthinkable.
"I'm serious Alric, I'll burn Gadrath's spellbook!"
Instantly Alric throws a spell of holding at Gashnak, hoping to freeze him and then fly away with the incredibly valuable tome. However, Gashnak is faster, and tosses the book into the fire. Screaming in shock and rage the pixie shape-shifts into a falcon, flies down, and lifts the burning book from the fire and flaps away.
He drops it and starts flapping his wings madly to get the flames out. Looking at it he sees the cover and edges of countless pages burned. A rage begins to bubble up in him, he cannot believe that Gashnak would have damaged something so priceless as the spellbook of Gadrath! He's infuriated!
From behind him the burly orc which now looks like a burly elf starts laughing. "Looking for this?" Underneath his robes he pulls out the real spell book of Gadrath and waves it in the air. The duration of the original illusion runs out, and the true visage of Gashnak now appears, grinning madly at the furious pixie.
"Gotcha."
Alric is so angry he is speechless. Looking at the book he's just saved he realizes it's a book of tax codes, not the real thing. Gashnak steps up, still holding onto the actual item in his big, ape-like hands. "Now I'll go put this back where I got it from, if you promise not to toss magics at me anymore. I don't mind getting ribbed or made fun of, but casting spells ain't cool."
Standing atop the book, Alric shifts back from a falcon to his normal self. His tiny eyes glare out at the big orc. The orc waves Gadraths spellbook in the air a few times. "Do you hear what I'm saying?"
The pixie flies off, infuriated. He goes to one of the trees in the nearby Cursed Woods and hugs his legs to his chest, grinding his teeth in anger. Gashnak just shrugs and goes back to the tower, placing the book back on Ganom's desk. He does smile to himself, realizing he's out-prankstered a pixie which in and of itself is no small feat. Next time he tries to do a spell on him he'll think better of it.
Wilford just sits back in a chair, drinking some wine, gazing into a bonfire. He thinks of what he'll do to Vraden when he catches up with him. People move around him while they have a good time. He is bent on revenge.
The centaurs, drunk as they are, hold several types of contests. They do some archery and javelin tossing, inviting anybody to come over and try their skills against them. The great, half human half horse creatures are very affable, and puts those smaller than themselves at ease.
Kayla moves amongst them, laughing and drinking with her allies. She is a surprisingly good shot with a bow, beating many of those who partake in the event. The odd thing is everyone knows she has drunk almost as much as they have. That is why she is the barbarian queen.
Seeing this Malik goes over, wanting to try his skills against those of the famed centaurs. His shots are good, but nothing compared to what these beings can do. Of course he's fairly well crocked by this point, having knocked back a fair amount of alcohol over the course of the evening. The big centaurs just laugh and thump him on the back in a friendly manner, seeing that he's so drunk he can barely stand up.
Wandering over to Wilford he sees him staring into one of the campfires. Being a tad on the giddy side he goes up behind him and pokes him in the rear with one of his arrows. Immediately Wilford leaps up, curling his hands into fists. Before you know it the two are fighting each other. It is a friendly fight, if there is such a thing. The two go punching and slugging it out.
Sitting nearby is Jinx, having a good time. Watching Wilford and Malik beating on each other causes her to roll her eyes in disgust. "I've seen enough fighting!" She gets up and goes away, Alex goes with her. "I can't believe they are doing that, after all we've been through."
Ganom is wandering around during all of this, a glass of dream ale in one hand. He's taking in all the sights and there are plenty of them. Several scantily-clad Akrindorian women of incredible flexibility do some intricate dances to the beat of rhythmic drums. For being what are considered barbarians he realizes that they do indeed have a very energetic culture and certainly know how to have fun.
As the night goes on Jinx is asked to dance by the extremely charming Brell. She takes his hand and goes off with him and the two seem to hit it off. The bald, bearded elven man from Bachra is very much a pleasant individual. Jinx truly seems to enjoy his company, getting her mind off of all the recent unpleasantness. Her mood gets very cheerful.
Getting back to the festivities Gashnak goes looking for Alex. He sees her dancing with Captain Frotes, who is still having a bit of trouble walking. He has a twinge of jealousy for a moment, but it quickly fades from his mind as he watches her. As he sees her laughing with him and having a good time he does some heavy thinking.
Taking a bottle of dream-ale he goes out to find Alric. After some searching he finds him brooding up in a tree. The big orc looks up and raises the bottle. It takes Gashnak some coaxing, but eventually the pixie comes down and they both share a drink. "Life is too short to be mad at your friends, Alric. Don't stay angry, enjoy the night."
Sippinig the ale from a tiny, tiny cup, Alric can feel the strength of the drink coursing through him. He sighs, his wings fluttering slightly. "I guess you're right."
"Good. Enjoy yourself Alric, I know I am going to try to."
Gashnak heads off, leaving the pixie behind. As the intense alcohol runs through his body all sorts of interesting ideas go through his mind. He starts thinking of different ways to alter his energy spells, making them behave in ways he would never have thought of before with a clear head. Buzzing up to one of the branches in a tree he begins to ponder this.
Returning to where Alex and Frotes are he watches them and waits until their current dance ends. When that happens he walks on up and gives a very courteous bow. "Greetings. I hope I am not bothering you?"
Frotes shakes his head. "Not at all. I am going to sit down now, my leg is still bothering me. I'll see you later." He knows that Alex and Gashnak are more than simple friends and doesn't want to be in the way of them having a good time. He sits down and watches, wondering how in the name of Rellian such an ugly orc could ever get paired up with such a beautiful elven woman.
Gashnak nods at Alex, smiling very pleasantly, his dark hair combed back. She narrows her eyes at him, wondering what he is doing. "I am Gashnak, a warrior from the Province of Brudic. I am pleased to meet you, fair lady." Once more he bows to her and Alex smiles, now realizing his game.
"Please rise. I am Alex Cedar from the Province of Sigel. I am pleased to meet you as well."
He gives her that old smile, the one he first gave her a long time ago when they first met at the Drink and Fight Inn. "Would you care to dance then, dear lady? Though I appear bulky I assure you I am quite agile and am a good partner."
Just barely she holds back a wave of laughter. He takes her hand and together they begin to dance to the strange music of the Akrindorians. They look into each others eyes and perhaps it is the dream ale, but sparks begin to fly again. Others dance around merrily but the whole world seems to fade away, leaving only the two of them.
It is not more than a few moments before Alex takes a hold of Gashnak's sleeve and leads him away from everyone. Together they go into the relative seclusion of the Cursed Woods.
At first Gashnak is almost hesitant, having full control of his faculties now. But there is a rush of emotion for her in his heart as he watches her drop her fur cloak to the ground and slip out of her robes in the dim starlight. She is beautiful, angellic, her pale skin, green eyes, and fiery red hair cascading over her delicate shoulders. He nearly chokes, and begins removing his own garments. His body is massive, barrel-chested covered with knotted muscles and scars. Only the look in his strange, blue eyes reveals his true nature.
Somewhat distantly Alric flies high into the sky. With his head spinning he begins casting spells. Great explosions of multi-colored lights begin splashing brilliantly overhead. These castings catches everyones attention. For the next hour he drains himself of magic, putting on a spectacular display of eldritch magics. Though devastating in battle, he has tuned them more for entertainment and fun.
With each burst of bright light the crowd below claps and cheers. They love what they are seeing, and hearing this drives Alric to even greater feats of spellcasting. The little pixie does quite well and becomes quite pleased with himself and his own contribution to the celebrations below.
"Life is too short," he says to himself.
The people below are absolutely enchanted by what he is doing. Ganom watches this in delight, seeing how magics can be used in such lovely ways and not just to deal out death and destruction. With the music, drinking, and overall joy of the night, this wondrous display is absolutely breathtaking.
Casting a final spell Alric spirals downwards, a trail of glittering light behind him. Landing on top of a mound of stacked kegs he bows to the cheering crowd before him. It is quite a rush having so many of the biggers treating him this way and he finds that he is almost overwhelmed by what he has done. He realizes that he has made this a special night for many people, one they won't forget. With his magics he added to their happiness, to their fun.
In the woods both Gashnak and Alex find themselves in a mad, carefree embrace. His massive arms lift her into the air and before too long they are lost in the throes of wonderfully mad passion. They don't even notice Alric's spectacular displays, being lost in their own fireworks.
Eventually the partying comes to an end. Everyone finds a bed, blanket, chair, table, or patch of grass to sleep upon or just lay where the passed out. Though it was a wonderfully fun night, many do have bad dreams, remembering the sacrifices, the battles, the heavy price that had been paid to defend Draman Del.
TO BE CONTINUED . . . .
Chronicled by Ken Paynter aka...Gashnak
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