Session 22: Rell's Log

General Summary

Fidgeting, feeling overly conscious and more than a little stupid, we stood and waited for Saman, Robyn and the Skirmishers to vanish over the horizon. I knew Penitence was hovering close by and slightly unnerved; I began to listen for his breath and scan the ground for any movement. Before I could locate him , however, he appeared beside me, his face the scowl I was becoming far too familiar with.
We followed at what I imagined to be far more casual gait that a Skirmisher regimented march, ensuring that we were a suitable distance to remain out of sight. It was quickly decided that I should be the one to navigate us back to Bastion and I shook my hair out, pride swelling up at the nomination even if I’d usually avoid such chores.
Recalling my teachings, I steered us eastwards while conversation sprung up once more around sneaking Penitence into Bastion. His spell of Invisibility seemed to be our best shot, but he explained with firm gestures that it only lasted for an hour and he could only manifest the willpower to attempt it twice per day as it was particularly complex and draining. I’d rolled my eyes a little at the limit of spellcasters usefulness; they were powerful but short-lived. I had no such lack of stamina.
We talked rapidly, working together quite cohesively for once and agreed Penitence would follow close behind us into the city, slipping somewhere quiet to recast the spell and then follow us on towards Haven. Pointing at both horns, then tail, before giving up and waving up hand at his entire body, I voiced that we should at least attempt to disguise him should the worst happen and the spell fail. I also pointed out that I could make a distraction or Liv cast a spell and Penitence nodded along. He was oddly cooperative for once, willing to do whatever it took to get inside a place that would kill him on sight.
Moving a little closer to Penitence, I matched his pace and enquired as to if he was feeling any better. He sighed deeply, meeting my gaze with those endless yellow pupils and giving me any unexpectedly honest answer, that he wasn’t quite sure. Shaking his head he echoed my thoughts that it couldn’t have been the past he’d travelled to, and I was quick to agree. It was just a spell or illusion.
Continuing on, we exchanged stories and jokes until dusk closed in around us. We’d reached the large mounds and hills where the mercenaries had attacked us previously, and although I scouted around, I couldn’t find a location as beneficial as Robyn had. A little disheartened, we still set up camp in one of the shallow valleys, glad for a break in our travels.
Elirith tipped her bag out and managed to pile up a few torches before I intervened, lightly brushing her arm as I told her that it was fruitless and without wood, they wouldn’t burn through the night. She agreed a little glumly, and I shot her a reassuring smile that she thankfully returned.
I settled down and slept soundly through Penitence’s watch and then Liv’s. As my friend shook me awake, I glanced over to Elirith’s bundled form. She’d wanted to be roused to do her fair share of watches, but there was no real need with her limited vision in poor light. Letting a smile grace my lips, I quietly headed away from my slumbering companions. At least one of us could have a full night’s rest.
As I patrolled a wide circle, my mind wandered to home; to Bastion, Haven, the Diplomats, to Otho momentarily before settling on Mesh. The warm glow that began to nestle within me turned to ice as a small wave of terror troubled my insides. She would be back. It was Mesh after all.
The break of dawn interrupted my thoughts, and I turned, realising that three shapes were now silhouetted against the blighting sky. Their lumbering forms made them out to be the same type of four-legged mangy dogs we’d killed on the way out here. Remembering the wonderful, rare taste of meat, I stooped low and moved a few steps forward to get a better view. As I did so, the leader’s head snapped up, sniffing the air a few times before turning in my direction.
I’d turned tail before they’d even began to run, feet pounding on the dried earth as I cried out a warning for Liv, Elirith and Penitence. As they scrambled up, I halted, jaw clenched as I realised Saman wasn’t here now. It was up to me to protect them.
My mind flitted to the shield pushed far out of sight underneath my bed, and I readied my glaive in a defensive stance. Within a breath, scampering paws charged over the ridge and down towards me. The large, brawny pack leader rushed right in my direction, but I was ready for it, lashing out with my weapon to strike its side before dancing a half step around the animal. Using the trajectory of my glaive, I produced a satisfactory clunk when the opposite end of my weapon met the beast’s ribs.
A jubilant upbeat snort of laughter left my throat as I completed a manoeuvre I’d always wished to fully master. As the two other dogs reached me, I swept for the nearest, but my attack found dead-air as it recoiled from Penitence’s spells. Liv’s sacred flame brightened the air far beyond the early morning sunlight, but Elirith must have struggled to wake from her deep sleep as her ice propelled into the distance.
A deep growl rumbled from the main creature before it vanished fully before my eyes and before I could comprehend, anguish quashed everything as a searing pain engulfed my thigh. Gritting my teeth, I looked down to fanged jaws releasing my mauled leg. It must have teleported somehow, and now the three of them had me encircled.
As though inspired by the successful attack, the other two dogs leapt for me also, tearing flesh as they snapped at my legs and chest. Calling out in only a half-joke for aid, I willed resolve as I span my glaive once more. I was on form as the blade cleaved straight through the shoulder of the first and although it caused a wave of pain, I repositioned my weight and struck a thud to the other’s skull. Both lay dead at my feet.
Spinning, I saw the pack leader fall from a barrage of spells; Elirith’s magic freezing its jaws open so wide that they snapped with a gut-twisting crunch, snuffing out its life. My delighted chuckle turned into a gasp of pain as I stepped forward, palm clasping uselessly at the bite wounds on my leg. Liv was at my side instantly, incantations knitted together my wounds as I muttered incoherent offences to her smirks.
Elirth surprised us all by offering to skin and gut the dogs while Penitence and Liv got a few more hours rest. I sat in half admiration, half bemusement as she butchered the animals as if she’d been doing it all her life. Even she seemed surprised, if a little proud and we cooked up a few pieces for breakfast. I made sure to lick every morsel off the bone before tossing them away. We’d get nothing like this within Bastion.
We were in no rush to gather our belongings, and I was fairly confident that we’d not accidentally stumble into the Skirmisher’s camp. From observing them at a safe distance over the years, Skirmishers were always regimented and orderly, no time wasted. Mesh had expected that too of course, but had usually given up on enforcing it with me.
With the sun only just risen, I was able to effortlessly keep direction eastwards, and although leading the group felt strange, it wasn’t dislikeable. I knew I could do it if I put the effort in. It took hours, but Bastion finally appeared on the horizon, the Soul Anchor clearly on display above the walls. Penitence’s eye grew wide, focused solely on the gradually encroaching city as worry mapped his face. I immediately moved closer, offering him the reassurance that we’d protect him and look after him within the walls. While he shot me an unconvinced look, I saw some of the tension leave him. He had no choice but to trust us after all.
We walked as close as we dared before doing our best to disguise Penitence. Elirith transformed her bedroll into a makeshift cloak, while I reached into my backpack for my disguise kit. I was extremely skilled with transforming others appearances, but although I did my best with Penitence, it would only save him at an offhand glance. Anything else and he’d be done for, and Liv anxiously reminded him to not drop the invisibility. I nodded along as though it was that easy, advising that he always held on to Liv and she would guide him. We’d have to hope it was enough.
We continued onwards, clustering close to make it more troublesome to distinguish our numbers from the city. Finally, Penitence vanished as he had done the previous day and I just had to trust he was with us as we marched up to the gate. With no Skirmisher on guard, I let a flutter of mischievousness take hold, whistling out the pitched whistle they use to identify each other.
It worked as the gate was raised and we moved through with no questions. Trapped momentarily between the barriers , however, I felt a little niggle of doubt, but it was soon relieved as the Skirmisher courtyard was revealed to us.
The area was bustling, with far more traffic than it had been when we’d left. What I assumed to be newer recruits were training and drilling in formation, there were cargo and boxes stacked around, carts stood half loaded, and there was a stream of traffic through the gateway into the city proper.
Spying Saman, I steered us towards the Warforged, eyes scanning for anything that might startle or surprise us, quite ready to create a distraction in any way necessary. Luckily it wasn’t required, and we reached Saman without incident. With a few hushed exchanged words, we updated him on Penitence and I glanced to where I presumed he was, while Saman mentioned that Robyn had headed home to be alone after losing her comrade. My heart went out to her, and I knew I’d have to offer my condolences later.
Knowing we were on a limited timescale, we advanced forwards towards Bastion. Through the throngs, a familiar pair of dwarves caught my eye, and I realised it was Aled and Alun, the same pair that had fought in the arena on the same night Liv and I had. Aled had the same huge broadsword strapped up high on his back, and Alun carried the paired shield which had made them a formidable duo. Catching their eye, they waved us over, and I realised that Alun was now wearing an intricate brace to help support his leg. Seeing Liv he thanked her profusely once more for the healing she’d given him. Her cheeks caught a slight tinge, but I knew she was grateful her deeds had had such a lasting positive effort.
They mentioned to us that they had also been enlisted as Freelancers, and I felt my eyebrow raise; Stoneshield had obviously deemed his pet project a success. It mattered little to me, there was certainly enough of the Wastelands to go around, and I knew we undoubtedly had a better group than this, should we ever be in direct competition.
I looked to the other Dwarves as if to compare, and Aled moved to introduce them. Firstly was Dumar whose entire body was covered in a variety of tools and as he stepped forward, they rattled and clanked in a way that I couldn’t imagine him taking anything by surprise. On his back was what appeared to be a humongous trap and I couldn’t quite imagine exactly what he’d use it for.
The final two were Dafydd and Dafydd, one of which carried a crossbow along with several daggers and the other wielded a brutal Warhammer. They all looked to be well-honed in their weapons and experience, carrying themselves with confidence.
We were about to leave when Aled asked what the Colonel was like and I chucked, saying that he was very nice. I couldn’t give them too much good advice, where was the fun in that?
With time of the essence, we headed through Shepherd’s Rest with the familiarity that allowed a quick pace and most direct route. I dodged and weaved around people, knowing the others were a step behind me until my heart froze as I heard a thump plus a few staggering steps. Spinning on my heels, ready for anything I saw a man stumbling away in surprise, head turning left and right in confusion.
Penitence had clearly bumped into him.
Generating a warm, flirtatious smile, I waved at him to grab his attention. Bowing a little, I offered my sincere apologies and that I’d completely not seen him. His mouth opened a fraction as though he was going to contradict, but after a second he nodded in agreement, heading onwards on his journey.
Turning to Liv but raising my eyes to the deceptively empty space above her, I winked and told Penitence to perhaps be more careful. I could only imagine the glare I received in response.
As we moved closer to the thoroughfare between districts, there was a clear buzz and hub of activity. It soon became abundantly clear there was some form of commotion or disorder; a crowd of people heaved twenty deep around an elevated platform. They cheered and booed, clearly riled up by whoever was at the centre.
Everyone was human, I quickly realised, and as I looked around the square I could make out the uniforms of City Guard forming a loop perimeter. They were taking no chances. As I transferred my attention back on the focal point, the crowd erupted around me, chanting “Toloy” over and over, arms raised in unison with their declarations.
More were joining the gathering, and I pushed forward, trying to see who Toloy was. It was hard to see, despite my height but I caught the evocative and passionate hand gestures as he added emphasis to his words. He looked like he could be one of the crowd; his humble clothing mirroring that of any human living within the poorest area of the city.
I made out his next stream of emotion as he called all those around present to vote for him in the upcoming elections, that he would represent the downtrodden and ensure humans were heard and that their opinions mattered. This was who was running against Chancer.
As his words washed over me, I felt an odd numbness settle. It was a feeling I couldn't place exactly, old memories stirring unabated. I knew it as my gut tightened. It reminded me of my father.
I needed to get nearer, and I used my shoulder to push and shove my way closer. A few racial slurs were tossed my way but it didn’t matter. I wanted to hear more, I had to.
My efforts were fruitless as a roar reverberated around me, and the entire crowd began to march forward, chants and taunts loud and obstinate. I was jostled as I faltered, caught up in the swarm.
They were heading towards the Soul Plaza. A cold dread settled over me, and I felt like I couldn’t move for a moment. Frozen to the spot as footfalls pounded all around me, bodies caught up in the moment of provocation.
I just let them pass. The half-dozen City Guard followed, tailing the protest in an obvious safeguard against trouble but I couldn’t seem to make myself go with them. What would be the point anyway? I wasn’t human.
Squeezing the bridge of my nose, I closed my eyes as I inhaled a long breath.
Penitence! Shit.
I raced back the way I’d come, having managed a few hundred meters without realising. A horrible hollow feeling settled in my stomach, but I pushed it aside, relieved to find Saman, Liv, Elirth and hopefully Penitence still in the square. I was overly glad they didn’t ask me any questions as hurried along.
Thinking of the time, we paused at an alleyway to allow Penitence to re-cast his spell. As we did, I turned to Saman, and a surge of unfounded hatred welled up inside me. I wanted to scream at him and cry all at once. He should have been nowhere near that crowd, and I was asking him to leave before I’d really comprehended my words. It felt cruel, but he seemed to understand, perhaps he wanted to get home too.
Liv jumped a little when Penitence touched her shoulder to my amusement, and we set off again towards the Memorial Gardens. As we passed by Councilmember Chancer’s Grocers, we noticed that graffiti had been painted in bold capitals over his windows and brickwork. I smirked to myself, a little glad of the deed.
Entering the maze, I had little trouble navigating its patterns and dead ends. I’d spent a few nights here in the past, and it was always best to be able to transverse it as quickly as possible, either at the start of the night or the end, depending on the circumstance.
We soon reached the location of the portal, and I spoke the Dwarven words that caused the magic to activate, energy swirling into the teleportation spell. Looking once more to the invisible Penitence, I shot him a two-fingered salute from my forehead, giving the usual advice not to throw up.
Knowing Liv would follow I strode for the portal, glad to be home but most of all, dearly hoping that at last I could see her.

Previous: Session 21: Rell's Log  Next: Session 23: Rell's Log

7 Conditori

• Head further towards Bastion and camp again.
• Wild dogs find them in the night.

8 Conditori

• Reach Bastion
• Penitence uses invisibility as they approach the Gate
• Meet Saman in the courtyard; Robyn had headed home to be alone.
• Aled and Alun, dwarf twins from Fight Night, had been enlisted as Freelancers, along with other dwarves in their group: Dumar, Dafydd and Dafydd.
• Pass a rally for Toloy, mostly human audience.
• Follow it a bit to Soul Plaza, then regroup with Peni to head to Haven's portal.

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.