Ink of the Mad
#25In the morning I went out to Hadrian, to simply catch up with the things and with people in town. After a stroll through the streets smelling of water and people, I sat down to rest at the patio of Adventurer’s Society, watching the people, seagulls and ships go by.
SpoilerWho I certainly didn’t espect was dear Ruby, marching carefully down the streets. Our eyes met, and she sat down to the table with me.
We’ve been talking more-less general stuff, including a little rant on the local sorcerer laws. She has been trying to explain to me her opinion on why are we so looked down at.
Based on her thoughts, the Arcanists and other wizards are simply jealous of what we have naturally, while they had to study to earn their skills.
What are they forgetting, I said to Ruby, is, that we cannot choose the spells we develop nearly at all. We can experiment and try, but unless we know, we have no clue.
Having every day a different selection of spells available – that’s only for wizards.
And I don’t know what‘s „so terribly bad“ about that.
Pip’s skills are cool, after all, and he can learn anything he wants from the scrolls at the store.
There’s nothing like that for us sorcerers.
Only our raw, unbound nature.
...
Miss Mayor Morgaine walked by, and as girls we all are, from two people in a conversation immediately became three. She was on her way from some Voust-related crypt – it seems she was reckless enough to go alone.
Regardless of that, she has shared some of her discoveries and assumptions. Her and Ruby had a clever and intense talk, and I was amazed to listen to them talk.
Ruby seems to have a perfect analytical mind for the right situations, and this was one of them. We both offered lady Morgaine our help in getting through the walls of the Voust manor, and our red-clad Mayor accepted.
Ruby unfortunately had some tasks planned further in the day, so me and Morgaine stood alone on the patio. Since I asked her about a private hearing right after she joined us in a talk, we laidback-style went into her offices. It was too much of a beautiful morning to rush...
I told her about the unavailability of Pip for the dragon mission, and about the fact that Michael will likely insist on coming after the old bronze with us. We continued the talk in a relaxed manner, agreeing upon starting our journey as soon as Morgaine receives a yes-or-no reply from some people she’s like to have with her.
That makes sense. But she hasn’t seen me fight for a while.
Later during our conversation, the topic turned to Michael. I haven’t told her anything of what happened yesterday or the days before
...
Around the noon I came home and as i wanted to go check the farms I’ve bumped into Michael on my way out of the door. That makes things easier.
Several gentle affections later, I agreed to visit lady Morgaine with him. He seems to have something to report from Valstiir, and would appreciate my company.
...Don’t tell me there’s more trouble on our plate.
After their meeting, we all went to Valstiir to check upon the said mist patches.
And it was far worse than Morgaine and I expected.
Most of the Old Quarter of Valstiir was covered in clouds of red mist, turning the lush grasses into a dead wasteland. Except for one tree, which stood amidst the clouds of corruption, proud and alive. With vibrant purple leaves, radiating a slight magical energy.
As we waded through the thick mist, the ‚bruised up‘ arm... responded.
First, I felt a strange numbness. Then tingling, and a second later
I felt as if thorns were piercing out from within the areas with bruises, ripping my flesh and every nerve apart. The clawing of something cold -
Until it all faded except the pain.
The pain so strong I wanted to give up, lay down and let myself cry until dawn.
Pain as intense as the devices back.. where I came from. Only longer.
Every second felt like forever.
It was burning, writhing in my veins. Every fibre of me wanted to scream and hope, that someone comes and takes the pain away.
But I’ve learnt as a child.
No such person exists.
Michael and Morgaine took their time. It’s alright, hang on girl. Show nothing. You can do it, you can manage. I had to grit my teeth and walk further. Morgaine needed to be guarded from the back as well. I needed to be cautious.
They needed me.
My will couldn’t falter in that moment.
Oh heavens, if only they weren’t so slow... The longer we walked through the mist the more it hurt. As if my body responded to every life lost to the mist.
I don’t want this anymore...
Someone make it stop.
Please.
...
I managed to survive the flight from Valstiir down into Hadrian as well. I hope my rushed farewell didn’t disturb Mayor too much, but it was no longer bearable.
I could no longer hold back the presence of this.
So I went alone.
But Michael, oh Michael.
Being the awesome man he is, he rushed to me in an attempt to comfort me, help me, calm me down.
My arm was throbbing, and through the rushes of pain and adrenaline in my blood, I could barely notice his call. „Sweetheart,“ he said.
And I told him. Away from the city, beyond the walls, letting the pain be seen in my eyes. I told him what I felt, how it felt and how I would do anything to stop it, how I wanted to release my flames...
...but I wanted to release them on me.
To burn that thing off.
But I couldn’t.
For him, I couldn’t.
My sweet Michael. Brazier, protecting my flame from the wind.
He suggested that I should probably go and burn some excess plants and foliage.
So we went, and I set off a blazing tempest with the pain still pulsing through me.
And I felt something,
lightheaded,
A new strange something rushed over me, tugging the Weave in new patterns I couldn’t
comprehend.
And the world went dark.
...
Pain in my right arm had completely disappeared by the time we arrived to our doorstep. It seems the mist had triggered something. I don’t know.
I felt.. unusual. Releasing my magic didn’t help. The feeling of a blazing bonfire in the core of my chest was guiding me towards Michael, I felt.. this burning within, I wanted to embrace him, hold him, envelop us both in the safety of fire, staying forever in that moment.
That’s how I felt, and maybe this desire kept the panic from the sudden dark cloud away.
The need for closeness,
for closer closeness,
my body felt so heated up. None of the flames I released onto the poor foliage that evening had seemed to sate this need and calm down this feeling. Michael, on the other hand... the sadness and worry seeping everywhere around him, creating a point of clarity and reason in my heated up mirage of the world.
Is it too strange I wasn’t scared at all?
Maybe it’s my immense trust in him.
We’ve been through the hell and back.
This can’t be harder than that.
He expressed his deep worry and concern, about this feeling, about these events... That he never wants to lose this beautiful, caring woman of his.
And only thing I felt that moment was calmness and trust. And the determination to overcome whatever this is. And whatever it brings.
Michael is worried about losing me, losing me to this something that‘s creeping up my body and changing its magical responsivity.
I felt Michael’s tears as they dripped on my shoulders.
I felt his care,
his love,
his desperate affection.
This is the man I’ve grown to love, love so much I never thought I would feel a bond this deep. And now the source of his troubles am I, the one person who has never supposed to bring any wounding feeling upon him.
I was terrified of asking Skettus for examination, as Morgaine suggested.
But he’s my man.
The only person who is going to be here with me with certainty.
If this would be my only duty to him, I will put myself under the risk and be examined by their mage and artificier – the man named Zilta.
And for now,
live for what we have. For what we are. For what we can become.
Michael gently took my hand, and begun guiding me to the bed with gentleness and affection in his touch. I followed, accepting whatever comes next, knowing I’m safe. He layed me down with him, and I cuddled close to feel his heart beating next to mine.
He began gently stroking my hair, telling me with love, to just forget about the world.. for a single moment.
I felt myself relaxing, my inner fires extinguishing...
That moment I knew
I will always be his silver dagger. And even if this ‚whatever‘ consumes me – heck if I care, I’ll become a blade of obsidian.
But I’ll stay his. Until the end.
My lovely Iron.
I took the time in the morning to study my arm. Some of the bruises look more like an ink spills, with twig-like formations branching out each of them.
I can feel a soft tingling. But no longer any pain. Fortunately. I can’t afford to step into the red mist more than necessary.
While I was absorbed by studying the changes of my body, Michael woke up and asked whether I feel alright. He is my support and I love him.
CLICK SpoilerHe noticed that it had gotten worse. Clearly. It’s quite noticeable by now. It’s making him so worried, I’m afraid he is more worried than I am. There’s no escaping for me after all, so I’m looking for solutions.
He’s just so caring.
I tried to remind him, that we should never let this condition of mine overshadow what we already have. How awesome it is to be ourselves, to be together. We have a nice house, good friends, and are caring for each other. With all these things, I will hold on.
And Michael promised me he will help me fight this. By all means possible.
The things we do for each other...
...I’m glad he’s become a much kinder man than before. Otherwise I would be afraid.
I quickly ran to the Coin and back, letting the air fill my lungs as I sprinted forward.
I had to take that surprise home as soon as possible.
I told Michael to wait upstairs while I ran, raced the morning breeze and the few falling leaves. Quickly stop by at the seamstress‘ before I get the thing from the inn.
Had it.
Got to bring it home.
Back at our cozy two-storey, I quickly unpacked and displayed the present on a large plate. It was fresh, as fresh as it can get in the morning of a busy port town day.
A full sweet cake, with colorful sugary sprinkles and juicy, cherry filling.
How am I going to tell him this?
Oh, I know...
„Come downstairs!“ I shouted, clutching the heavy tray in my hands. The right one seems a bit weakened, now I think about it.
Michael descended down the stairs, and the little scillintating sparks of pleased surprise in his eyes were just priceless. Sweet cake, oh yes.
I thought I should give him something to pay back, the worries I caused him with what happened yesterday... I never wanted this. I know I’m loved, I know I’m supported, but to let my dear partner know about my appreciation is just as important as the appreciation itself.
Sweetest man I know.
He is my support, the reason my will doesn’t waver against the taint that’s consuming me. The reason why I will go and push myself, try to learn how to work with this taint of mine.
I feel good in the dark. Maybe I should train in the basement later.
...
After little bits of conversation, I remembered the thing I got reworked at the tailor’s workshop. The adventuring robe Michael gave me during our first adventure together.
I wonder whether he remembers.
I had it reworked, though some parts turned out
clearly different than I imagined. Some were rising...
higher, definitely higher than I expected. But no worries, everything will be fine. I’m sure of it.
One moment of changing later, I walked down the stairs, however I stood with my back turned towards him. I was so nervous of showing myself in this new attire... It was new, yes, it was nice, yes, it was all that it could be. But it lacked the long skirt i usually wear, and instead got something.. different. That’s more than I remember it asking to be.
As nervous as I was, i was quite reluctant to show this attire of mine.
Inhale, exhale.
There we go.
Blushing and surprised, Michael seemed both stunned and appreciative at the same time. I quickly defended the concept of this clothing, saying it was supposed to be more modest.
His single reply was a cocky
„Sure...“ as he pulled me close by my sides.
Assuming the best but still needing reassurance, I asked whether he likes it.
...And I’ve gotten the best answer I could get.
As I’m writing this, I realised that the things are starting to get suggestive once in a while. It’s not like I mind. I’m certainly glad he is feeling better and showing more of his personality.
I’m still primarily his carer, after all. There are bounds I don’t want to cross until his full recovery. I want him to be himself when that happens.
...
Michael suggested visiting one area in Sullivan’s, where he said he could use my help. It’s not like I do anything else besides enchanting him to be even deadlier for his enemies, so I agreed to it and tagged along.
It was a nice trip. But unfortunately (or fortunately), the elevator that was supposed to ride us to the lower levels had gotten jammed in the construction itself, so we stopped moving after several feet.
It was time to go – but I didn’t want to go home yet.
So Michael took me to the Upperdark.
....
Upperdark is a strange and calming place. Dangers lurking around every corner, while the cave system itself is so nice, majestic, with pretty glowing details like mushrooms and crystals, burbling water streams and still, silent lakes.
My excitement and curiosity only grew, and after showing me the drow city from the coastline, we turned around and headed towards the exit of the caves.
Being as excited and curious as I was, I acted more like a tourist than an adventurer at that moment. I was splashing in the streams, touching all the tall, gargantuan mushrooms, petting the smooth facets of glowing crystals, and generally, enjoying the trip.
And burning several monsters alive but they wanted to eat us first. And Michael is quicker than any of my spells, it’s so incredible. His agility merges with his strength into one deadly and effective combo.
And there wasn’t a second I was truly afraid of him.
Not even while he was completely under the influence of the cursed tools.
Continuing our trip in Upperdark, behind a patch of tall mushrooms I’ve found a still pool of cool water. I submerged in, as it seemed pretty shallow and empty for any monstrosity to hide in. So I went in. And Michael did too.
...
So I splashed him.
His revenge was just as vicious as it could be, since he took his shield into both hands, filled it with water and then CHUCKED all the water onto my head.
I was drenched.
Cold.
But laughing.
And he seemed oh-so-happy seeing me like this. Without worries and racing thoughts.
...
He took us back a different path, through an abandoned waterside fortress, now inhabited by sahuagin-kin.
Pattie once again proven to be a true devilish shredder from the nine hells, deserving a lot of praise and head scratches. She’s grown so much over the time I spent here in these lands... I can’t believe she’s almost as tall as I am.
Through the crumbling fortress full of waterfalls and overwater paths, we emerged in the familiar forests nearby Southbank.
Times of our first memories living together, travelling here to see the world. Time when I first showed him the heat of my spells, the time he gave me his first hug.
There is a lot to see, and a lot to learn.
But mostly enjoy, as the nature is wild and full of surprises.
And every corner can harbor a beautiful location of its own.
We took a long stroll, simply savoring the fresh forest air as the wind danced with the leaves above us. We stopped on the top of a small cliff, right above the water waves.
And we just stood there,
Gazing into the distance.
He put his arm around me, and we stood.
Watched.
As the waves go by, as they will for all eternity, eating away the toughness of the rock.
I felt so loved.
Safe.
And appreciated.
In that very moment, it was only two of us.
And the vastness of the sea.
...
Our romantic moment was disturbed by a Moander’s fanatic, who seemed to rejoice in the discovery of proclaimer services. Michael seemed pretty pissed off by it, therefore I needed to calm the situation down.
Iron must’ve felt very romantic that day, as we didn’t head home that night. We’ve gone to the Southbank, to the inn and had a cozy little dinner. Michael’s a proper gentleman, I must say – he even pulled out a chair for me, and brought everything to the table.
Michael never ceases to amaze me.
Who would’ve thought that I, of all people, am going to end up with this man.
Dinner... Which reminds me, I haven’t yet searched for a sweet cake recipe to make at home.
Have to add it to the to-do list.
...
After our filling dinner, Michael went and rent a room at the Southbank’s inn. It was a small and cozy one, almost indifferent to my old room at the Sailor’s Coin.
Sadly, only beds were single and only one per room.
So, as Michael laid down on his back, I got comfortable lying on him and next to him, as his strong arms held me close.
I fell asleep to the rhythm of his heartbeat.
We took a ride by boat in the morning, and spent our way to Hadrian watching the lazy morning waves and a rising fog above the river. It was amusing seeing morning bird folk flutter by, occasionally stopping by the coast to have a short drink, before they'd take off again.
Funny thing is, that I don't miss home. And I don't think I'll ever do.
SpoilerAs long as I'm with Michael, our home can be anywhere.
Right now he is standing right beside me, his big, warm hand on top of mine, as we are leaning against the railing of the ship.
He just smiles, and then we continue our silent, calm voyage.
Upon arrival at home, Michael immediately sets off towards the farmers settlements. It seems there's a lot of work today, as we've been reported that an ox got frightened and broke free, demolishing part of the barn and one door in the process.
Michael insisted he'll be alright on his own, so I trusted him and went to Hadrian alone. I wanted to just relax and people-watch before I go home for the rest of the day.
What fate had brought up for me was lady Morgaine, elegantly sitting down next to me and starting this unexpected talk. It turned out, that she's heading to the Abbey of the Moon for spiritual reasons, and as I mentioned the dragon living nearby, she reckoned we might as well do two things at once.
What a great and inspiring leader.
Even though I'm not serving anyone and thought I'll never be, Morgaine shows me the side of rulership I would never expect to happen and encounter. She is kind, merciful, decisive and powerful. And values loyalty above everything.
She's actually the only person I can directly ask for commands and feel great about doing it. Because I know she likes me to retain my free will, and serve her out of my own decision. I'm proud of Michael wanting to join her guard, she'll need him just as I do if the mist comes closer.
...
Down at the Abbey, Morgaine paid her respects and did her prayers. In the meantime, I was enticed by the beauty and serenity of the local monastery gardens, finding peace in their geometry and silence.
A quiet retreat. No wonder she visits here once a week to cleanse her head from the duties as a Mayor. This place would turn anyone into a calmer person.
Later on we went to talk to the Father of the Abbey about the local lands and the dragon rumours. Apparently he didn't know of anything, but suddenly a woman I've seen before appeared, as if out of nowhere.
I've seen her over a month ago in Hadrian, trying to get Pip's attention for something.
It's not like it matters now.
We talked, and meanwhile visited two towers of the abbey, one as tall as the other. Both were full of artifacts and holy symbolics, one even housing a piece of a moon, giving a dim glow into the room it was stored in.
Then we sat in the serene gardens, with flowers slowly swaying in the light wind. It was refreshing, and in the background you've heard the cascading waterfalls nearby. Perfect place for a friendly chat.
While I was a bit more suspicious of miss Zoanantuss, Morgaine ensured me she is a good person and I let some of the barriers fall.
And after all,
it turned out that Zoana was the polymorphed Bronze Dragon(ess) we've been looking for.
It took my breath away as she rose from her human body, as majestic as one can get, turning skin into a metal-like scales, with head of a strangely pleasant dragon, with wise and patient green eyes. She was smaller than I suspected, but was still looming over us in a display of massive power and elegance.
It seems she can 'sniff' people's intentions in the form of a dragon, and her and Morgaine had a long talk about the necessary things and the things we know. We haven't yet been offered a direct help, but were pointed towards a certain things that might help us defeat the Mist in the long term.
And that's the important goal we have.
Me and Morgaine went home through Southbank, taking the ship to Hadrian. As soon as I escorted Mayor to her estate, we shared a warm hug and wished each other a great day. I like having friends like this. It makes me feel great, sharing the good things and forgetting the bad for a moment.
...
On my way towards the house 9, a proclamation echoed in my head - from Pip, he has returned and manages to find some time for me.
I updated him on all the events and information, including today's visit of a mighty dragon lady. He seemed amazed and just as curious and eager as I was, to meet the dragon again. I told him of her preferred human form, so if she ever comes to Hadrian or a Hilltop, he can get closer and talk to her.
He was also kind and concerned about the health problem of mine I mentioned in the letter. I'm glad he kept things private,
but that's just the way it goes I assume. One way or another, I'm glad he can be secretive when he wants to.
As if he wasn't usually.
Down at his lab at Hilltop, I have shown him the partially corrupted right arm. The blotches of dark color didn't shift much from yesterday, which is great. It's not growing faster after the latest mist incident, so that' at least a good news.
On another side, after the expensive spell testing and various examinations he suspected that my access to shadow magic is somehow higher, and that the right approach might be to figure out how to harness it.
Since the first dark cloud happened for seemingly no reason, I realised I might try to cast more spells, to see if any shadow energy 'leak' comes out again and alters the spell, allowing me to catch a glimpse of the spell pattern itself.
And I will harness it.
He gave me a bit more self belief and confidence, but we both know he's not on a hundred percent sure about those things.
We agreed that he might visit me and Michael while we're both home, and note down the progress of the arm markings during his visit.
...
I was drained from the spell testing, so I fell asleep sooner than Michael managed to get home.
What a long day full of answers and new goals to reach.
Thank you for that.
Topic: Sherina Tsirak - The Spellmaiden (Read 15237 times)