Tag: Twin Twats from Tempest Tor

#Lore24 – Entry #259 – Fantasy Month III #16 – The Dark Elves Strike

As Told by Erilantielle “Eri” Kitami, Champion of Erisaya

“Everyone has their secrets; that should be no big surprise to you.  I don’t know much about Kazumi, and I don’t go digging into people’s past.  They tell me what they will, and that’s fine for now.  Until I’ve got some kind of evidence of a betrayal, so what?  Teelsa’s a bard, illusions are a thing they do.  Ask about something else if you have to know, or let me out of here.  I’m getting real tired of this waiting.

That’s not changed; if I had any clue why a bunch of mercs were hunting me down, I’d gladly tell you.  I’ve asked Erisaya many times for guidance, but she kept urging me to Arcavarlon and staying light on the details.  I guess she wants me to discover my past for myself.  That’s fine too.  Everything happens as it does, even though I’m usually fighting against it somehow…

Yeah, we made it clear of Greenspire without trouble, even enjoyed almost a week of travel without sighting any followers.  Those dark elf hunters, though, they’re something else.  Hatae said it was something to do with training they’d kept from their days living in the really deep caverns, how going unnoticed was an absolute requirement or something; she’d know more.  They had picked one hell of a night for their ambush, I’ll give them that.  A new moon and a storm coming in.  Even Kazumi didn’t pick up on their presence till the last moment when she shouted out a warning to us while we were taking our turns sleeping. 

Bastards had planned it well, though.  First thing they did was toss some kind of concoction of theirs into the campfire that covered the area in a smoke filled with some kind of poison that slowed us down, making us very sleepy, and choked Teelsa out from casting her spells, to say nothing of clouding our vision.  Had Kazumi not been on the outskirts of the camp, I’d say they would’ve had us; she whipped up a good strong whirlwind to blow the poison cloud away and at least gave us a fighting chance; had they simply wanted us dead, it would’ve been a lot easier for them, but since they were trying to capture us alive, we had enough of a chance that things evened out once the air had cleared, even if we were moving slow.  The Sisters were watching out for us that night, I’d say.

Yeah, we drove them back, killed a few of them, and we weren’t too badly injured, and we knew they wouldn’t make the mistake of attacking with Kazumi on watch again; I’d say she put a big target on herself that night.  Still not rightly sure how they tracked us, though; I’m figuring the twin twats that are hunting me were the ones using the scrying magic Lady Jade told us about, and the dark elves were doing something different.  Pick Hatae’s brain on that one; she knows her people far better than I do.”

#Lore24 – Entry #258 – Fantasy Month III #15 – Catching Rats

As Told by Kazumi, Druid of the Circle of Claw and Fang

“This one is sated for now, Confessor, though this one was disappointed the captain did not deliver her meal.  Perhaps this one is more agreeable now that the beast within is sated…what answers do you seek now?

This one knows little of the events that took place inside the Greenspire, for she spent most of her time outside of it and on the outskirts of the city.  This one was hunting for those who had sought this one’s companions.  Though this one does not trust the lady of the tower, this one accepted a trinket that would shield her from the scrying that we had been warned of, for it would make hunting easier.  Yes, this one was successful in finding some of those who had burned the wood, though not those twin mazoku, only lesser, spies sent to root us out.  This one thinks they knew little about hunting large cats, you see; most kept forgetting to look up.

This one learned little that was useful, though.  They knew who they hunted, that they were meant to be returned alive, but not why they hunted, only that the coin in their sacks was worth the risk.  This one has little use for coin, but this one kept what she found for the others to ease traveling.  They take so much that is not needed with them…

Yes, this one did encounter some of the dark elves as well, though they were much more subtle, more keen to avoid this one’s hunting.  They are sly, these dark elves, very much wary of being spotted, and capable of adapting and setting traps for large cats.  This one observed from afar, did not engage more with them, not without the others.

This one would venture to the Greenspire a few times to check in, and after a few days, this one was restless to be on our way.  Finally, we set out through a hidden tunnel to hide our departure from the tower, coming out in familiar woods to begin the journey to Arcavarlon.  No pursuers were waiting at the time, though the dark elves would be the first to find us on the road, using methods this one is not certain of.  Perhaps there is more to the power of their Mantis Queen than even Hatae knows? 

A spy amongst us?  Hmm…no, this one is certain that is not the case.  This one is observant, this one senses no deceptions.  The bard?  No, you are mistaken.  That one is simply acting as her nature dictates.  She is not human, and her kind are rare in these lands; it is easier for her to travel in her human guise.  When did this one find out?  From the first meeting of the party, of course; her scent was quite distinct, even beneath the kobold smell that clung to them, and this one’s nose is trained to know its prey.  No, this one is not from these lands, and this one is not speaking more of it.  This one wishes to forget the past.”

#Lore24 – Entry #257 – Fantasy Month III #14 – Leashes and Lashes

As Told by Siduri Tamboura, Warrior for Hire

“It’s drugged, isn’t it?  Some kind of sorcery to compel the truth from me, no doubt!  I know how you Confessors operate!  Anything to wring the truth out of someone!  Well, I can assure you that I’m absolutely in a dealing kind of mood, and really wouldn’t want you to have to resort to torture; I’ve heard you can make people scream for days and beg for more… So… with that in mind, I’ll play nice as a favor to you, one I expect to be repaid at some point, and tell you all about what went on in Lady Jade’s place.

So, she’s this excentric rich noble, right?  Well, she’s kinky as hell, too.  You probably guessed that much after your talk with Teelsa, but I’d bet that blustering bard didn’t even get around to scratching the surface before you started losing focus.  Well…maybe not.  The ‘songbirds’ thing?  It’s kind of literal, actually.  She likes to keep people in cages and make them sing for her while they wear ridiculous costumes.  And when I say sing, sometimes its actual songs, other times its pure pleasure, and other times its pain and pleasure.  Yeah, I can sort of understand that, sure, but she’s just a whole other level.  I’m not proud enough that I don’t recognize when I’m out of my league. 

Anyway, that performance?  Yeah, I got to play with Eri and Hatae quite a bit that night.  There…might’ve been some ah…substances involved that kept us going and got us a little looser than we’d been up till that point…but that was one hell of a party!  I made those two make all kinds of pretty sounds that I’m sure someone in your position could appreciate, and they were begging for more and more!  Absolutely couldn’t get enough of my lash as they squirmed on the ends of my leashes!  Don’t let Eri’s bluster fool you; she’s pure submissive once you get her collared and show her who’s in charge.  Hatae is naturally that way, doesn’t try to hide it, revels in it, really, might even really see it as a full on religious experience.  Guess it kind of was; I’d imagine the whole affair wasn’t too far removed from one of your Yurisayan celebrations.

Oh, the loud-mouth?  She was putting her mouth to good use that whole time.  Singing, mind you, not where she needed to put it.  The boss lady seemed happy enough with her performance, though her attention was mostly on the three of us.  No, there weren’t any guests that I could see; lighting was bad and I’m only human, but I only ever saw Lady Jade and her servants that night.  Got the impression this was all for her.  She’s got a strange power about her, you know?  Real commanding presence, nothing like anything I’d ever encountered before.  Hell, had me wanting to get on my knees and worship her a couple times, and I don’t bow and scrape to nobody! 

I uh…I’m sure you could…but I’m cooperating here, right?  No need to go that far… After that night, we got down to business proper.  She had need of some adventurers and we were needing her assistance, so yeah, we started working for her.  She had a job she needed done in Arcavarlon, and we had talked about heading there eventually anyway.  What kind of job?  Well…nothing that should’ve been that complicated, but you know how that kind of thing goes when you’re an adventurer, right?  One twist and turn after another, sometimes you get arrested, things just happen.  Will of the gods of fortune and misfortune, I guess.

Look…it’s not that I’m not wanting to cooperate, it’s just that I’ve got paid a lot more to keep my mouth shut than you’re offering in return, is all.  Sweeten the pot a little and I might be able to tell you something else.  Fine, fine, think on it a bit, I’m not going anywhere.

…What do you mean Teelsa’s wearing an illusion?”

#Lore24 – Entry #256 – Fantasy Month III #13 – A Royal Performance

As Told by Teelsa “the Spritely” Dawndancer

“Teelsa the Spritely at your service, lady Confessor!  Hmm?  Oh, no the captain has obviously gotten his information incorrect and recorded the wrong moniker.  I’ve always been known as ‘the Spritely’ for my amazing agility and fae-like beauty!  Is…is there a draft in here?  Seems like its getting colder all of a sudden… Anyway, you wished to know of our dealings with the most illustrious Lady Jade?  Well, far be it for me to kiss and tell about our private business dealings with such a highly regarded woman, but I suppose some details can be revealed that wouldn’t be considered improper.

Now, after we’d had our meager possessions moved into the most kind Lady Jade’s most opulent tower, well, aside from Kazumi, of course; she simply wouldn’t have it and apparently roamed about outside I suppose.  Anyway, a little performance was requested in return for our benefactor’s kindness in offering to assist us in our endeavor, and being the honorable bard I am, I most eagerly obliged!  Of course, the Lady has particular tastes, and I would be delving into certain areas that I was not at the time entirely familiar with, aside from tangentially due to my previous associations with Hatae and Eri upon the night of the unfortunate incident at the Bronze Unicorn.  I would discover that she is quite fond of “songbirds”, but not the kind one may expect upon first hearing the term.  Her preferences are most exotic and fitting to one of her station, I suppose, but a bit on the excentric side.

Well, yes, I’m getting there!  No, I’m not stalling for time!  Why would I be doing something like that?  It would be a mixed performative affair, with myself working with some of the musicians in her employ to handle the musical aspects of the performance, while Siduri would handle the ladies that had drawn Lady Jade’s attention the most.  She sees something in Eri and Hatae, something to do with their faith, but I’m not certain of the exact nature of what she intends there.  It’s rather curious that the Lady Jade is so enamored of the affairs of the Lustful Ladies and yet had little in the way of iconography relating to worship of them, but who am I to judge? 

But, as I was saying, the performance would be quite the affair.  I daresay none of us had worn such finely crafted or expensive costumes before; I know that I’d never worn anything so revealing, either!  One must make small sacrifices for their art, mustn’t they?  I would also hazard a guess that the eyes of both Erisaya and Yurisaya were watching that evening, for their most faithful among us certainly seemed to be giving it their all and received quite the reward when it was all said and done!  I do so love a budding love story, you know!  Let me compose myself for a moment and I shall recite the song which I composed for the event-

I’m sorry, what?  I don’t know what you’re talking about!  There’s no illusion magic upon me!  Whatever would give you that idea?”

#Lore24 – Entry #255 – Fantasy Month III #12 – An Audience with Lady Jade

As Told by Hatae Ulla, Exotic Entertainer, Dedicated of Yurisaya

“Oh, there’s no need to apologize to me, sister, but thank you nonetheless!  I don’t think your captain cared much for dark elves in general, if I’m being honest.  I’m no stranger to wearing things like that for long periods, so it was no trouble, honestly!  Yes, that’s right!  I’m so pleased that you’ve actually heard of me before now!  I might not be able to channel the Dark Lady’s power as a Confessor does, but I’m sure she guides me in her own way!  And thank you for the meal; I was starting to get a little famished with all the waiting.

Hmmm…I can’t really remember when I had first heard of Lady Jade.  Might have been when I first came into these lands, perhaps, when I was getting to know my way around and just starting up my show a few years ago.  I know her name kept coming up as a patron of the arts, especially those with particular flavors, if you know what I mean.  I suppose I’d gotten it in my mind to work my way to Greenspire and try to perform for her eventually, once I’d built up my reputation enough, that is.  I’d spoken with Teelsa and other performers about it, learned that she was somewhat of a recluse with particular tastes and all, but didn’t seem particularly dangerous.  At least not like certain groups that have been hounding us for weeks now, anyway!

Once we’d finally gotten to see Lady Jade, she was something else, alright!  You could just feel her presence as soon as you laid eyes on her tower, and it almost felt like her eyes were on you the moment you walked through the doors!  To actually meet her in person though, it was overwhelming…you just felt so insignificant around her while she sat upon that throne!  I’d never even felt like that back home for all the bluster about power and influence that goes on there.  But, she was never overbearing or condescending to us, seemed like she was genuinely interested in our plight, or played it off as such, anyway, though she was far more interested in seeing us perform!  Not just me, but all of us.  I don’t think Kazumi appreciated the idea at all, though, and Eri put up a bit of a fuss, and Siduri got hung up about getting paid for her work, but they came around soon enough after Lady Jade offered us her protection.

She revealed that someone had been attempting to scry upon us, you see, right then, while we were having our audience with her.  Her tower is protected against that kind of thing, we learned, and she didn’t appreciate someone being so bold.  She offered us sanctuary for the time being, in return for some entertainment and work done in return for her aid in determining which parties were hunting us.  Kazumi wouldn’t have it, though, couldn’t stand being cooped up in the city more than she had to be, and Lady Jade was considerate of her needs, allowing her to roam where she may outside of the tower as long as she promised to wear something that would block scrying attempts made against her.  Plus I don’t think Kazumi was too keen on the type of entertainment Lady Jade preferred, either.  She’s been tight-lipped about why, but I’ve got my suspicions!”

#Lore24 – Entry #254 – Fantasy Month III #11 – Looking for Answers in Greenspire

As Told by Erilantielle “Eri” Kitami, Champion of Erisaya

“Kazumi’s something else alright.  Kind of like a stray cat that won’t go away after you’ve fed them.  I don’t really know why she’s decided to throw in with us other than being really set on making sure those twins pay for harming the forest, I guess.  Maybe that’s reason enough.  I don’t think she’s from around here, if you get my meaning, so who knows besides her, though?  Didn’t figure we’d rate a full-blown Confessor of Yurisaya, though. 

Are you apologizing to me?  Really?  It’s something I suppose but letting us go free and clear would be even better.  Ugh, I understand of course, you have a job to do, and that involves us and what we’ve gotten into.  Look, I’m still not entirely sure why Hatae and I are being hunted, and that’s the main reason I got involved with certain elements in Greenspire.  I’m looking for answers just like Hatae; granted, we’re pretty sure it’s some convoluted family plot in her case, given that all of those hunting her have been dark elves, but we don’t know who yet; they’ve been VERY careful not to reveal house affiliations. 

Me?  Only the gods know, and they’re not telling.  I was adopted by one of Erisaya’s houses when I was abandoned by my parents.  You know that, though, you’ve spoken with the jackass that was in here before.  I could just go into hiding, I guess, outlive whoever’s pursuing me in seclusion, but that’s not me.  I prefer more direct methods.  I can tell you those two mazoku sorceresses are dangerous, though.  They don’t give a damn about collateral damage, and they’re the ones responsible for all the damage that’s followed us on this trip.  They’re the ones you should be looking for!

…Tempest Tor, eh?  Well, that’s not surprising.  Heard that’s a rough place, guess it makes sense those two twats are from there.  And someone recently paid their way out of prison, huh?  Don’t happen to know who has their leashes, by chance, do you?  Someone’s got some special Bands of Grounding locked on them both.  Well, had to ask, didn’t figure it’d be that easy…

Well, in Greenspire we didn’t really have any contacts, but Hatae knew of someone there that would probably know something, had heard of them, anyway.  Can’t say I was really familiar with them at the time; Teelsa seemed to know all about them, though, even Siduri had heard of them.  I’ve been out of the loop for a few decades, if you’ll recall.  Hunting that demon death cult and all.  Yeah, that’s right.  It was Lady Jade we went to first.  Had to jump through a few hoops before we could see her, though, but after another group of dark elves attacked us one night following a job we’d done for one of her subordinates, we seemed to rate high enough to finally earn an audience with her.  Still not sure if that was the best or worst decision we could’ve made…”

#Lore24 – Entry #253 – Fantasy Month III #10 – A Guide Through the Canorath Wood

As Told by Kazumi, Druid of the Circle of Claw and Fang

“So, this one is finally deemed worthy of being spoken to, is she?  Ah…a Confessor…truly this one is honored to rate so highly.  Yes, this one recognizes your kind, mazoku; this one can smell the blood that lingers upon you.  Fair warning…this one is hungry, and her nature may very well take over if provoked.  Simply the nature of the beast within this one, you see.  Ask your questions, Confessor, and consider offering fresh meat in return, lest this one goes and finds it herself.

Initially, we were amused by the antics of the adventurers.  This one’s circle cares little for the spiders or the kobolds; we keep them in check so they do not cause harm to the Canorath.  Of course, we were aware of the adventurers soon after they entered the Wood.  We knew not their goals, but they seemed not to be there to cause harm, so we allowed them to continue.  We watched as they were captured and toyed with by the kobolds, yes.  This one was quite amused that it could happen at all, but if they were not strong enough to prevail over the pests, then what good were they, hmm?  Once they escaped and thinned the kobold population by some amount, we returned the favor by guiding them to the Circle within the heart of the Canorath, offered them respite and food for their services. 

Then we ushered them out of our wood quickly, for we did not wish them stumbling around more than they already had.  Of course, the paths had changed since the Erisayan had been there last; we do that from time to time; can’t have outsiders growing used to our ways, now can we?  This one was chosen as their guide outside the wood, and her involvement would have been finished there had it not been for the attack that came near the far side of the great Canorath, from those of your kind, the ones of fire and ice.  Your kind have a certain scent that is very distinct, mazoku, certainly not common in our wood, so this one knew of the ambush and provided warning, and we were able to drive them and their minions away, the ones that we did not kill.

This one may have been overzealous, for she slew several of the mercenaries with the mazoku before they could be questioned.  A great tempest of rage broke through when they hurled fire and damaged the trees, you see, and this one let it run wild, as it desired.  They were not prepared; they retreated with their magic, but for their actions, this one would see them punished, so this one was then attached to the adventurers.

Hmmm…yes, the mazoku of fire and ice were wearing spiked cuffs and collars, set with crystals.  The items were not hindering their spellcasting that this one could tell.  At that time, no, there was no known reason for their interest in the Erisayan, and it was then that this one learned of the others hunting the Yurisayan performer.  This one listened to the voice of the wood that night, and sensed that she would be needed, and should pursue this threat.  A strange journey this one has been on since.

You hear that, yes?  This one’s inner beast grows hungrier.  This one is starting to think that your flesh looks awfully good.  Perhaps you should consider getting this one some fresh meat?  For now, this one is content to remain, but if this one’s beast breaks free due to hunger, then this one cannot be held responsible for what will happen.  Send the cowardly man who did not wish to speak to this one if you wish; you may like the sounds this one will produce with him.”

#Lore24 – Entry #247 – Fantasy Month III #4 – Cults and Captors

As Told by Siduri Tamboura, Warrior for Hire

“About damned time!  What in the hell is taking so long?  You want the facts or what? 

Don’t know about that inn, don’t care about that inn.  I was looking for work in Caerlon and happened to be in that district when it all started up.  I’d heard about that dark elf escape artist stirring up the town, yeah, was a little curious, but I was looking to hire myself out. In case this body didn’t clue you in, I’m a sword for hire, idiot.  What I do in my free time is my business, so you can just wipe that look of your smug little face before I wipe it off for you.

I wasn’t there when the place lit up.  I had seen some shady sorts moving around the streets, though.  Thought there might’ve been some kind of cult or something going to a meeting, but then I saw that they were dark elves, and that just wasn’t normal in this area.  Then I saw the other mercs moving in on the place and those two mazoku sorcerers leading them.  Don’t think they had a clue about the other group, though.  I hung back, decided to see what was going on, figured I might make some coin that night.  Sometimes you can find the best opportunities in the middle of the night.

Somehow these two groups slipped in without the other noticing, don’t know how they managed that, but they did.  Wasn’t long before all hell broke loose and the smoke started rolling.  Lots of screaming, lots of people running for their lives.  Hell, probably the most excitement Caerlon had seen in ages; glad I got to get in on it, really.  So, I saw a couple break out of the inn and make a run for it, some of each of the two groups hot on their sweet asses, so I figured now was that opportunity I’d been waiting for.  I chased after, made myself known, and got the better offer from Eri and Hatae, so I threw in with them and laid out the trash.  They still owe me, by the way, and until our contract’s done, I’m not going against it.  They’re not bad ladies, mind you, just need a good, strong hand to keep’em in line is all, cause they can have trouble raining down around you in no time at all if you let’em off their leashes. 

Once we had some time to breathe, I learned more about what was going on.  Somehow, each one of them had parties interested in hauling them in for whatever reason.  Eri seemed clueless as to why she was getting chased by the mercs, Hatae had some suspicions about the dark elves after her, but didn’t give me the details; I figure she stepped out of line back home and now had some noble house chasing her.  Didn’t matter to me; their downpayment for my help was good, so I’m in it till I get the rest of my money. 

Anyway, we hooked up with that screeching bard the next day and came up with a brilliant plan to get out of Caerlon.  I enjoyed that one personally.  Really enjoyed it.  Went off real smooth, too.  Anyone who had seen me with them the night before was laying dead in the streets, so any none of the shady types we saw knew me from any other merc on the streets.  You want the details?  Start coughing up some grub, then.  Or ask Eri or Hatae.  I’m done talking for now.  Any more’s going to cost you something in return.”

#Lore24 – Entry #246 – Fantasy Month III #3 – The Unicorn that Went up in Flames

As Told by Teelsa “the Swift” Dawndancer

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, good man!  I must say, though your accommodations are rather…spartan…I am nonetheless quite pleased that you’ve chosen to invite me into your humble establishment.  When shall the performances begin?  I would like some time to practice my craft, after all, though it seems the luggage boy has misplaced my instruments- Hmm?  What?  This isn’t an inn?  Well, I am shocked!  Absolutely shocked!  I suppose it’s a good thing I didn’t complain about the quality of the meals, then, hmm?  When is meal time, by the way?  One’s stomach can only wait so long before it starts complaining, you know.

Oh, the Bronze Unicorn?  My, what a sad, sad affair that was.  Fine establishment, absolutely the best I’d ever performed at in Caerlon, and the best people!  Oh, the patrons were marvelous!  So willing to offer their coin for a song and dance, absolutely the best one could have ever asked for, really.  And their chef, oh, an absolute master of his craft, I can assure you!  Why, if I were to have stayed on there as the inn’s resident bard, I may well have been on the road to- My good man, would you stop interrupting me?  I’m telling the story you asked for.  Oh, very well…some cannot appreciate the art of the slow burn…um, well, perhaps that phrase is a bit inappropriate given the nature of what happened. 

So, it went something like this; mind you, this is but my initial draft, so it is quite rough.  Ahem…

“In the heart of Caerlon, where shadows blend and twine,

A warrior strode with purpose, her gaze a sharpened line.

She bested every challenge, with grace and steel so bright,

But as the darkness gathered, fate would test her might.

 

Hatae, the acrobat, danced in the fire’s glow,

A blur of shadowed motion, in rhythm’s ebb and flow.

But envy’s cruel embrace, in the hearts of men and drow,

Sent hunters to the Unicorn, to strike and lay them low.

 

Two forces dark converged, each unaware of kin,

One clad in night’s own veil, the other stained by sin.

Led by twins of fiendish blood, their eyes like burning coal,

They sought to claim the hero’s life and tear apart her soul.

 

But Eri stood unyielding, as chaos filled the air,

With Hatae at her side, they fought with strength and flair.

The flames consumed the inn, the Bronze Unicorn no more,

Yet from the ash, the heroes rose, with legends to explore.

 

The mazoku twins, in greed, sought to reap their deadly toll,

But in their grasping hunger, they lost all sense of control.

For heroes are not felled by those with hearts of blackened night,

They shine with ever burning fire and stand for what is right.”

 

Well, what did you think?  You’re positively awe-struck, aren’t you?  I know, it is a bit basic, but as I said, I’m still composing the ballad, so-  What?  What’s a drow?  It’s an archaic name for a dark elf, of course.  A bit too archaic, hmm?  Criticism noted!

No, I assure you, good sir, that every word of my tale is true!  There absolutely were two groups hunting my companions that night, and one of them was indeed led by a pair of twin mazoku!  Well, not exactly twins, you see, for one had skin of crimson, the other azure, but they were identical otherwise.  Quite the proficient spellcasters, I might add, and I do believe that it was the red one that used the fire spell that set the poor Unicorn alight.  No, I did not get their names…it never came up in the course of our most chaotic flight from the inn; when one is being chased as we were, you don’t stop to ask who is doing the chasing!  Though I do believe my companions know more than I about those hunters, perhaps you should ask them?  It is not yet my story to tell, you see. 

Well, yes, there was something curious about the twins…they each wore some rather peculiar jewelry; I do think they wore a set of Bands of Grounding, but curiously enough, those devices did nothing to hinder their spellcasting.  Broken, perhaps, or unique? 

My good man, I grow weary, and my throat is dry.  What’s the house wine, and may I trouble you for some of it?  Or ale?  Or, gods forbid, water?”

 

 

 

*Full disclosure:  I used ChatGPT to generate the song lyrics, because I don’t have a lyrical bone in my body and coming up with something that sounded decent would have taken far too long in the context of a daily lore entry like this.  

#Lore24 – Entry #144 – Muckenmyre Month #23 – Conversations Along the Way

From the journal of Takara, Slave Inquisitor of the Stellae Illustris, Town Marshal of Grimbridge.

I took it upon myself to oversee the care of the twins while they were being held in front of the jail before transporting them out of town, giving them some relief from their bonds during meals and for a couple of periods of exercise during the day, though keeping them shackled with arms and fingers bound tightly together behind them.  I did not trust that their charms were entirely arcane in nature, as some mazoku have the ability to perform such magics with but their voice, so I prevented any ungagged speech with swift, painful discipline.  It seems they are capable of learning, however many times it took them to finally grasp the lesson I taught.

It was quite the procession that left Grimbridge early one morning, the two prison carts loaded with chained bandits, one twin in each, the merchants’ new wagons, one for the town guards and constable who would be making the journey to Ryanathyr, and several others riding on horseback for the trip, myself, Satella, Augra and Jessiryn, and the trio of freed prisoners as well.  If nothing else, it seems that the people of Grimbridge do nothing halfheartedly.  Though rain would be frequent during our travels, the route along the Grimbridge Way was pleasant enough, whatever weariness we had from the road eased with the line of wayfare inns spaced exactly as required along the route to provide rest at the end of each day.

I would finally learn of the nature of the noblewoman, her maidservant, and their would be mazoku protector during our journey, and would come to understand that the mistrust of the mazoku was not uncommon on this side of the world, whereas initially I had thought it simply the nature of the twins that had provoked such treatment upon them.  During our first night of rest at Izel’s inn, Ashley Lohengrin introduced himself to us as we finished dinner, expressing his thanks for our actions in freeing his charges and himself from the bandits, extending us a debt of honor that he would vow to fulfil.

As we spoke with Ashley, he revealed that he was of noble birth, and trained as a knight (I had already picked up on his excellent horsemanship and insistence upon respectful behavior, especially to women, during our time in town and along the road), though he was a bastard child, and shunned by much of noble society due to his nature.  It was here that I learned that mazoku were seen as demon-tainted and untrustworthy by many in this land, a reminder of those foul creatures that brought the Great Cataclysm.  He was of the opinion that it was the elves that had been responsible for spreading such tales, for most mazoku were simply trying to live like anyone else, and were unfairly judged based on appearances alone, though the behavior of certain members of the race like the twins had done little to disprove such lies.  It was this distrust that the Lady Azenora Glanndour, whom he had promised to rescue and chased into the swamp, despised him so; she had it in her head that a proper knight and hero should be beautiful and trustworthy, not a demon-spawned outcast noble.  It was the reason she barely tolerated his presence, and only for as long as it took for her to be returned to her home.

It was a curious observation that the Lady Glanndour saw Ashley as unsavory to look upon, for I thought him quite attractive by most standards within the Empire; I had seen many high-ranking mazolu back home that looked far closer to their demonic heritage than he.  His features were decidedly feminine, as we had seen in great detail during our sneaking through the old fort’s prison, delicate and soft, his voice likewise sounding as a would a young woman’s.  His skin was of a paler blue hue than that of Chastity, his pink hair long and tied in a thick braid, his eyes a more common reddish-orange hue, while his horns were smaller than those of the twins, curving upward from his forehead, his pointed ears indicating possible elven blood in him as well.

I found it curious that his kind were treated in such a way here, whereas the mazoku were just as able to succeed as anyone else in the Empire save the kerryn slaves; I knew of at least three prominent senators and two high ranking generals who were of mazoku lineage.  During the course of our conversations along the journey, I would tell him of the mazoku within the Empire, of how there was little in the way of prejudice against them there, and of some examples I had encountered there.  Our discussions would also turn to the nature of the kerryn within the Empire, and I would relate to him the nature of our slavery, of our penance for breaking the world.  This seemed to upset him greatly, and he would tell me much that I would ponder for some time to come, of the kerryn he knew here, the nomadic people who travelled freely, of those who held great power within the cities, of those who openly defied the lies the elves spread of them.  It seemed fanciful to me, and having not met another kerryn during my time upon these shores, I could not say that I believed what it was he told me, though I sensed no deception within his words; admittedly I found the ideas…appealing.  It was with some shame that I admit this, for my thoughts have been straying greatly from those appropriate for a slave of my position.

My conversations with Ashley seemed to have put me in contempt of the noblewoman, though.  My conversations with her could hardly be called such, for she obviously had little intention of speaking to me or anyone else, relying upon Enora, her servant, for most things, though curiously I did notice that she kept looking at Jessiryn during the journey in a manner that suggested attraction.  I certainly bear no ill-will on her decision to treat me so, as it befits her noble status, and I am but a humble slave, after all.  Or at least, I’m trying to be; my thoughts and actions are making me question things that I should not question.

Though focused upon my duties to Grimbridge, my thoughts would only grow more muddled and harder for me to understand once we reached Ryanathyr.