Session 12: Rell's Log
General Summary
Gathered together in the alleyway, we were slightly at a loss as to what our next move should be. Our quarry had vanished entirely and although I teased Robyn at an attempted scaling of the building, we all knew they were long gone. Even so, I did picture her for a moment; leaping upwards, feet catching the stonework, body straining to reach another handhold, red hair flowing out behind her. The hint of a smile caught my lip as the thought abated. I’d have loved to see her try, especially in that dress.
With no other apparent tasks set for us, I let my shoulders slump and asked my companions what they had been up to yesterday. Saman and Robyn mentioned that they’d purchased food for the Gnomish/Halfling encampment outside the walls but as of yet not delivered it and it was currently at Sentinel’s Tower.
Clinging to that thread and desperate for any element of adventure or just cause to be back in the Wastelands again, I enquired as to whether they might have work for us. Saman also mentioned the Petrified Forest once again and the mission set by the Gnomish tinkerer he’d encountered.
Although I wasn’t too keen on visiting a place marked by the Diplomats to be strictly avoided, at this point I was itching to leave the city. The Wastelands I knew. Fights I knew. I wanted normality after the whirlwind of tangling with politics. It all made me feel uneasy. Maybe I was simply running back to familiarity?
Either way, Robyn agreed to speak with the Skirmishers for further work which I was glad for, I could use the extra coin now that I had the bespoke armour being crafted for me. We split up then to reconvince at Sentinel’s Tower in the morning, and while Liv and I walked together at first back towards Haven’s portal, she soon pulled on my arm, eyes cast aside and mentioned she needed to be alone. This wasn’t a new occurrence to me, and I smiled, wishing her every ounce of strength to get through what she needed to.
Sleeping in my own bed was always a blessing but as I woke my eye caught Mesh’s door and ridiculous desperation flooded me once again. She was the most capable fighter I knew; I’d seen her feats time and time again, she certainly did not need me beside her for assistance, if anything I was often a hindrance. Deep down I was aware I wasn’t really concerned about her safety. I wanted to speak to her again. About the Freelancers, about Elirth, Robyn and Saman, about the Waterworks, the Council and most of all about my victory in the arena. She would grunt and give me less than five words to my hundreds, but that was enough. My stomach twisted again. I missed her.
It was enough that I made a last foolhardy attempt to know her whereabouts. Knocking on Daq’s quarters, knowing I was likely waking him, was something not to be taken lightly, and I let out a long breath. Happy, charming, smile.
Instead, I was almost begging as I pleaded through the barrier at the chance for a few words. He did concede and open the door to me, and I squeezed past him to perch on the chair he gestured to. His tossed aside sheets and light robe indicted my prior thoughts about disturbing him. Feeling a little awkward, I took in his sparse room as I played with a strand of hair. There were a few trinkets around, brightly coloured rocks and stones, plus a bronze ornamental bracer but overall it matched the rest of the barracks, serving a purpose.
Quite ready for all the teasing I was about to receive, I bit my lip and let him know that the other Diplomats mentioned Mesh was on a mission for Otho but didn’t know the details. Smiling, but swallowing in what sounded to me as overly loud, I tried to appeal to his elevated status as our leader’s bodyguard and enquired if he perhaps knew her whereabouts.
The slight head tilt and smug smirk told me everything as to his thoughts, but even if he was telling me just out of pity, it didn’t matter, I had to know. After an elongated pause, he revealed that she had been sent into the tunnels to investigate a disturbance somewhere in an underground cavern to the north of the city.
My mouth fell open into a perfect circle as I couldn’t quite believe what he was saying. I pressed, even mentioning the name Otho had given Liv, House Karlaith but Daq shrugged indifferently. Either he knew more and wasn’t bothering to say or simply didn’t care. It was hard to tell with him.
Not filtering my train of thought, I tried to gauge if the length of time she’d been absent was cause for concern. The mocking came then as Daq tilted his chin in, raised an eyebrow and taunted that I could not go a week without seeing her. I couldn’t even contest it as he swiftly moved on to my need to follow her around like her ‘pup’, even barking at me in a perfect rendition of a dog.
Knowing its obvious erring on the side of truth, I didn’t contest. After knowing the Changeling for so many years, his mocking didn’t bother me much anymore. I’d landed myself in trouble more than once for rising to his ridiculous and insatiable comments, that I’d had to learn to live with them.
I finally stupidly asked if Otho was worried at the mission to which Daq’s eyes had widened, and he stated with a hint of confusion that he had never seen Otho concerned. He was right of course, and I regretted my rash question, maybe even a little at being here entirely.
Standing, I thanked him profusely, hoping he enjoyed the gratitude and attention from me. He had already dismissed my presence, starting to undress before I span quickly away. A comment about whether he was disrobing just for me flew through my mind, but I held my tongue for once. Daq did not need any more fuel.
Pulling on my armour, braiding my hair and retrieving my glaive, I met up with Liv who seemed a bit downhearted. She’d had a bath the night before, something she did only when she was upset or troubled and I hoped the excursion into the Wastelands would be a nice distraction for her as well as me.
We proceeded towards the Skirmisher’s base to meet up with the others. It felt good to have my favourite weapon back in hand, and it threw me into a good mood, knowing we had a purpose and would finally hopefully slay a few combatants.
We were the last to arrive, and I took in our companions. Elirith looked a little discontented, though she was hiding it very well and I asked after her, but she gave me no details. I didn’t press; ultimately it was her business. I just hoped she knew I cared for her.
Robyn had already spoken with Major Alora and let us know that we’d be able to collect bounties on all but the weakest of fiends. Elirith shuddered at the mention of imps, and I threw her a reassuring smile, letting her know I’d protect her. Saman took a step towards us, concern in his tone as he also offered his protection, even to carry her if it was needed. A scoffing snort shot out from myself, though Elirith took the offer with far more dignity, thanking the Warforged and reassuring that it wouldn’t be required.
As we discussed the best method of moving the purchased food rations outside the walls, I nudged Liv and realised that we’d potentially not bought enough for ourselves. I was so used to it being supplied by the Faithful and Mesh flat out refusing to let us leave without ample supply, that it had slipped my mind. Fortunately, Robyn kindly gave us some from the Skirmishers stores which caused a pang of shame. Saman agreed to carry the barrels for us, and it was an odd mix between awe and alarm at just how much he would lift at once.
The shanty town pressed up against the wall of Bastion like a child in need of comfort and a kind word. It was home to the Gnomes and Halflings that were not allowed to enter the safety of the city and had to make a meagre living however they could out here in the shadow of those far more fortuitous. I’d traded with representatives from there before, but always far from the camp itself and this would be my first time entering the settlement itself.
It broke my heart.
Gaunt faces, pleading eyes, weak and huddled forms. Malnourishment did not discriminate.
I shifted between despondency and worry for our own wellbeing and pockets as we made our way through the makeshift wooden shacks, fluttering canvases and corrugated iron sheets. Everything was designed for those of far shorter stature, and the journey was a zig-zagged, backtracking muddle. Robyn and Saman did seem to know where they were going luckily, but I still scanned vigilantly, a little unnerved by the attention we were drawing. I did manage to pick out a Halfling that was keeping a reasonable distance but following our movements, the small club in hand eluding to their intentions. Suddenly I’d had a brief flutter of shame that we should not be here. We were intruders no matter our good cause.
As we reached Thaddius’ home or maybe it was a workshop, I was unconvinced at leaving the supplies there. They could easily keep it for themselves or sell it at an inflated price. Old habits had kicked in when Thaddius’ assistances had asked if we’d wanted anything in return and I’d enquired as to what they had, thinking of intel useful to the Faithful. Robyn had thrown me a glare I wouldn’t forget, and I quickly regretted my words.
Instead, I’d turned and called out to our snooping observer, who’d approached straight-laced, posture rigid and even more defensive than I’d anticipated. All I’d wanted was to ensure fair distribution of the goods, but the Halfling was overly curt to the point of resentment. I knew he had no reason to trust me, but it stung that he would not even exchange names. It hurt even more, when he moved to Robyn instead, taking a few paces away to converse out of earshot.
She seemed to fair better than myself, and I severely doubted that she’d never had any prior dealings here before. I couldn’t resist asking on the matter as we looped around Bastion to head west, the Soul Anchor now rearing up like the proud guardian it was above the city’s walls. Robyn told us the Halfling’s name had been Flambard and that he was grateful for the food donations. He had also asked we keep a look out for his cousin, Peggy. It seemed like a strange request since he’d been so defensive towards me and I asked her if she’d met this Flambard before. A clear headshake and statement to the contrary caused me to try to read her body language for any untruth, but nothing revealed itself. I still wasn’t quite convinced that a stranger would rather speak with Robyn over me but dropped the subject.
We plodded on westwards for the entire day. The flat terrain around the city altered into a dusty and rocky landscape, then by the afternoon mounds of earth developed into hills that became so large, it was easier to change course and track around than scale them. We were glad that Robyn seemed proficient and even enthusiastic on keeping us heading in the right direction. Reading sun positions was aggravating and time-consuming, and I was pleased I wasn’t expected to do it.
Elirith spent most of the journey glancing upwards, eyes scanning the sky assumedly for the possibility of imps. I understood her worry but they spent most of their time hidden from sight, and I’d learnt long ago that you could only react if they decided to ambush you. Saman was sullen but driven, marching along without altering pace as though he was in military formation. Liv was also quite quiet, and so I mostly busied myself with twirling my glaive, smacking odd peddles or rocks, alongside other mundane habits that I dearly wished Mesh was present to rebuke me for.
As the sun sank over the horizon, Robyn pointed out a rocky outcrop that would serve well to build a camp around. I volunteered to look for wood to build a fire, but my scepticism on locating any out here was confirmed after a scouring search of the nearby segments between hills.
Watch cycles were decided upon as Liv and Saman, Robyn and then myself with Elirith. I must have been tired as I let old engrained fears take hold as I advised Liv not to sit too close to Saman. Though it had mostly been half in jest, Saman had given me a look that I’d almost interpreted as sad. Trying not to let it deter me, I settled down onto my bedroll. Protecting Liv was always the most important thing.
My dreams were muddled. I was mid-battle, but I couldn’t understand where I was or who was with me. Yells echoed around me, screams and cries. The noise of death.
A sound resonated, a shout so loud and piercing that I awoke, fist around my glaive where it had loosened from my fingers in sleep. Swearing in Elvish and then a couple more course Dwarven words for good measure, I tried to take in the situation as I stumbled to my feet.
Liv had clearly just cast a spell; it had lit up the ridge across from us, though I wasn’t sure if it had struck anything. Three figures of a variety of sizes stood there, but I had no time to pick out what they were as thuds sounded behind me. Liv was close to me and didn’t appear to be in danger, but I spied Elirith a few paces back. She was hard to focus on, and I subconsciously rub my eyes before realising she must be altering her form in some way or using magic.
I was about to stumble towards her when she brought her hands together to form a circle; white energy manifesting itself to create an icy shard. She then directed the spell at two shadowy forms before her, causing a blizzard to swirl around them. While incredibly beautiful, the storm was also deadly and I could make out strangled cries as the two forms hurdled not only into each other but shards of ice.
What was attacking us? Mercenaries?
A noise next to me and I was up; glaive following my movement in a perfect arch to slice into the space next to me. Blood splattered alongside the coupling yelp, and I gritted my teeth, spinning my weapon back and around to strike home again. This time they fell.
All my training was forgotten, I barely glanced down at what I’d slain. Saman was up now I realised, moving to place himself between us and the figures on the far hillside. Robyn had her shortsword out, but her other hand was pressed into her side and the way she was hunched over meant she was clearly injured in some way.
I was about to sprint forwards myself when there was a crash beside me, and my blood ran cold. The enormous form of an orc loomed over us, and he roared, huge tusks shifting as spit flew from his mouth. The scimitar he was wielding was only just caught by Saman’s shield, but he moved far swifter than his size implied and the dagger in his other hand struck hard into the Warforged.
To the side of the orc, I saw the rocks break apart, forming the same huge hand of earth and rubble as Liv had used back in Haven. This time though it did not keep our target restrained. Another roar was unleashed as the orc broke free with all its might. As it did so, I noticed the other figures running towards us and the only warning I received was the hiss of wood parting air before an arrow struck my chest.
Robyn had circled around and stabbed out at the struggling orc, so I took advantage also, bringing my glaive up towards its midsection. His reflexes were impressive as he used all his might to catch my weapon in the crossguard of his dagger, hauling me away with an ear-splitting snarl. Saman used the opening to strike a heavy blow with his hammer, causing me to smile a little as Saman’s mother was insulted extensively in Orcish.
Liv muttered words behind me, and I turned slightly to see the three other combatants struck by a spell so immense, I could hardly comprehend it had been conjured by my friend. Thunder rumbled from the sky, hitting all three so abruptly that they collapsed in on themselves, almost as if their bones had shattered into dust. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I turned back to the orc, assumedly their leader. His eyes told me everything, aflame with pure fury, but also a sliver of fear.
Elirith’s voice rang out then, clear and calm informing that he should surrender rather than die. My eyebrows raised as after a breath, he snarled a deep noise in his throat but complied. Straightening, he lowered his weapons, before letting them slip from his fingers onto the floor. Robyn seized him, and Saman moved to lower him to the ground, but the orc was far too proud to do so willingly.
I interjected before the orc thought better of his surrender, measuring the daggers at his waist and took Elirith’s lead, inflecting a little more menace. Offering that we would take his weapons, be allowed to pass through safely and threatening that if he returned we would slaughter him.
He radiated displeasure, but his pride was intact as he threw the remainder of his weaponry to the ground. Once Robyn released him, he stalked away under my careful vigilance until he was out of sight. It was only afterwards I’d realised he’d quite likely retrieved one of the throwing daggers on his retreat. I didn’t hold it against him; I’d have done the same. Everyone needed some protection out here.
Bartering with Robyn, I kept the scimitar while she slotted away the throwing daggers. The curved blade had a keen edge, but I only attempted one thrust before sheathing the sword, far too tired for much more.
Trekking on until we felt there was enough distance between ourselves and the raiding party, I offered to take the watch and allow the others to sleep. Scanning the horizon, my ears attempting to distinguish the sounds of the orc returning, I smiled despite myself. It had been good to fight again.
Previous: Session 11: Rell's Log
Next: Session 13: Rell's Log
50 Acadi
- Robyn and Saman mention they've bought food for the Gnomish Encampment
- Robyn agreed to ask Skirimishers for work, agreed to recovene in the morning.
- Liv snuck into the baths.
- Rel spoke to Daq, learned Mesh was investigating House Karlaith disturbances.
- Took food to Gnomish Encampment.
- Met Flamabard, asked us to keep an eye out for his cousin Peggy.
- Headed West
- Reach a rocky outcropping to camp at.
- Ambushed by orcs in the night - let their leader go after convincing him to surrender.
Report Date
17 Dec 2023
Original Disclaimer: Written from Rell’s PoV and any opinions on character’s or npcs are her own and may not be a true reflection of a character’s intended actions or intentions. Any missing content is due to Rell’s selective hearing or poor memory. Although I have attempted to keep information on Rell to a minimum, please note that you may read some content/opinions that aren’t common knowledge to your own characters and therefore it should not influence your interactions with her.
Additional Disclaimer: This article is ported frpm old blogspot articles for reference, and pertinent bullets and dates added to timelines.
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