First published Cherrin to First Harvest 169
At the healing area for the Adventurers Guild
This looks to be the place to go for all your healing
needs. Saws and knives line the walls as well as ample
amounts of whiskey to dull down your senses.
The good doctor looks straight at you. A leek is pinned to
his left lapel. In his left hand he plays casually with a
red, leather ball. You notice two bottles on the table next
to you; one is full of leeches, the other is over-flowing
with jelly babies. A sign says 'No telegrams!'
Little Sister Bordelaise, Monk of Meditation
Profession: is a SPRITE MONK (badly wounded)
The eyes of this tiny sprite no longer twinkle, they seem red and watery
Her skin is a pale greenish shade...she does not look well
she appears to be extremely experienced and a Grandmaster of Strength of the Monk's Guild
Bordelaise is a Tiny Treasure of clan Clan of Life
she is a Noble of Moorgate
she is a citizen in good standing
Bordelaise says 'Doctor...I..don't know what is wrong...I...feel as if all my energy is slowly fading away...'
Bordelaise breathes deeply
Bordelaise says 'Turnadel...says it's an allergy...and Herman...thinks it is stress, from working too hard...but...I'm not as sure...'
Dr. Crippen stops playing with his red ball and leans over to listen
Bordelaise says 'I...will tell you why...and hope you will think the same...'
Bordelaise begins telling the story of her homeland, the Land where the sun always shines, stopping to catch her breath after every few words:
It is true, the sun always does shine there...shine over the lucious green fields and the little lakes where the water is always warm, and everyone is always happy, always friendly, always wearing a smile on their lips. Noone has to work, and there is nothing or noone evil to be seen anywhere... but...there is one thing that isn't as good as here. People do not live very long. Life generally starts to fade away around the age of 25, very few live to be 30...and, Dr.Crippen, I am turning 25 soon...that is why I fear it isnt just an allergy, or stress...Alexander, the brave ranger, says the air here is particularly well suited for sprites...and there are many who live long long lives...please doctor, please tell me that it is so...I...
Bordelaise pauses
Bordelaise says 'I do not want to die'
* * *
<<On his way to the shop to spend his hard earned gold on a new compass, muttering about 1 charges and his gold brother colourman hears a very high moan. Wondering what kind of creature makes such a sound he peers round the corner to see his good friend sister Bordelaise.
He walks silently in so as not to disturb her and listens to her talk of dieing and life fading. Shocked he reaches over to hold her hand but she does'nt seem to notice his touch. he stands up and vows not to leave for his homeland until Bordelaise is well again, with that Dr. Crippen ushers him out of the room so the little sprite can rest.
As he walks out he wonders if he's just using this as a good reason to put his trip of but the thought is pushed away and replaced with the question "i must do somthing but what?">>
* * *
Inner Courtyard
Spotlessly clean cobblestones make up the floor of the inner courtyard. A high domed glass ceiling lets in the sun shine in through with colorful brilliance. Large doorways trimmed in brass can be seen leading to other parts of the guild.
Murzad enters from the north
Murzad greets you.
You sit yourself down.
Bordelaise lifts her hand halfway toward Murzad as a greeting
Murzad gives you a hug.
Bordelaise says 'Thank...you brother'
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Bordelaise says 'It doesnt...seem as...if anyone has...a cure for...this'
Bordelaise says 'So...I want...'
Bordelaise says 'I just...want...'
Bordelaise says 'To...say goodbye...in case this is...the end'
Murzad says 'It won't be the end'
Murzad wraps his arms around you and holds you close in a warm embrace
Bordelaise says 'How...'
Bordelaise asks 'Can you beat...old age..?'
Murzad says 'Hmm'
Bordelaise says 'When your...time has come...it has...'
Bordelaise says '...come'
Murzad says 'You still look young to me'
Bordelaise says 'I...am young...by your standards'
Guyy glides from out of nowhere the mists silvery light gathering at your ankles.
Bordelaise says 'But where...I come from...25 is the age...where people start...to fade'
Bordelaise says 'Away'
Murzad prays that bordelaise will be OK
Guyy exclaims 'No!'
Guyy exclaims 'Bordelaise!!'
Guyy blinks.
Guyy peers at you, looking for a vital clue.
Bordelaise tries to smile toward Guyy
Murzad shouts "ACK!" and looks guilty.
Guyy exclaims 'I'll cure you!'
Guyy blinks.
Bordelaise lowers her head
Murzad cries out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Bordelaise says 'Dr. Crippen tried...that'
Guyy blinks.
Murzad remove's the heavy armor Bordelaise is wearing and lay's her down on the ground wrapped in his cloak
Lodon enters from the north, the mist drifting about the floor.
Kazu gallops in from the north upon a honey suckle mare
Murzad says 'You'll be ok'
Kazu gives a bow.
Lodon bows towards you.
Murzad says 'Sister say something please'
Bordelaise lifts her arm in a greeting toward Lodon
Lodon asks 'Whats wrong with her?'
Murzad says 'Rest bordelaise'
Guyy moves over and offers you his shoulder.
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Guyy says 'Umm, erm, umm'
Bordelaise says 'You are...all...too kind'
Murzad asks 'Is there any thing Astera can do maybe?'
Bordelaise says 'I...doubt that'
Bordelaise says 'But...I have not...'
Bordelaise says 'Asked'
Guyy blinks.
Murzad picks Bordelaise up into his arms
You follow Murzad above
Sleeping Quarters
The sleeping quarters of the monks are designed like a huge dormitory. Bunks line the walls and each bunk has a mat rolled up neatly for the day. A small trunk sits at the foot of each bunk and large divided closets sit against one wall.
Players here: Lodon(mounted upon a mist) Murzad(mounted upon a mist)
Murzad lays Bordelaise into her bunk
Mercedes pads in from below on a young black lion.
It's paws move swiftly and with purpose.
Murzad dismounts from his silver mist
Murzad kneels beside bordelaise
Mercedes gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Mercedes frowns.
Murzad says 'We need to find a cure quickly'
Lodon says 'Cure?! '
Murzad says 'Otherwise at this rate, she may become alot worse'
Bordelaise says 'There is...'
Murzad says 'Or something to stop it'
Mercedes asks 'Allergy, huh?'
Bordelaise says 'No...cure'
Murzad leans towards you to listen.
Mercedes mutters something about shamen..
Murzad says 'There has to be'
Bordelaise says '...for aging'
Guyy blinks.
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Guyy says 'Umm'
Bordelaise says 'And...please...'
Guyy blinks.
Bordelaise says 'Do...not spend...all your time...'
Bordelaise says 'With me'
Mercedes flops to the floor unable to take much more.
Mercedes dismounts from her young lion
Guyy says 'You deserve it Bordelaise...'
Guyy gives a sly smile.
Murzad says 'The last thing we want to do is leave you alone'
Guyy dismounts from his silver mist
Guyy nods at Murzad.
Mercedes walks to Bordelaise, kneeling next to Murzard..
Murzad says 'You have been there for us'
Murzad says 'And we shall be there for you'
Lodon glides below, the mist touching you to the core of your spirit.
Murzad says 'Whenever you need it'
Mercedes exclaims 'You're my little sis, Bordelaise..if yer gonna leave us, I have to be here!'
Lodon enters from below, the mist drifting about the floor.
Lodon dismounts from his spiritual mist
Guyy exclaims 'She's not leaving!!'
Guyy turns away
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Bordelaise says 'I...do not want...this to happen...'
Bordelaise says 'But...'
Mercedes ponders on the problem for a moment.
Lodon kneels down on what little space there is left on the floor next to Bordelaise.
Guyy puts his hand on Bordelaise's forehead
Guyy says 'Rest'
Mercedes gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Guyy blinks.
Bordelaise lowers her head as if to nod at Guyy
Bordelaise says 'There isnt...much else...to do'
Mercedes says 'Maybe it's all in your head..'
Mercedes gives out a nervous cough.
Bordelaise asks 'My...head?'
Mercedes nods towards you.
Mercedes says 'When people think they're gonna get sick, they do..'
Murzad nods.
Bordelaise says 'But...I...'
Murzad says 'You need to think positive'
Bordelaise says 'Was feeling well...'
Murzad says 'All the time'
Bordelaise says 'Just a few...days'
Bordelaise says 'Ago'
Guyy blinks.
Murzad says 'If something lingures in your mind about a disese like it has for you'
Bordelaise says 'Or is it...weeks'
Murzad says 'Then you'll begin to worry'
Mercedes nods at Murzad.
Murzad says 'Which will cause illness'
Lodon lets out a deep sigh.
Murzad says 'Bordelaise try this if you can'
Mercedes says 'So don't think you're going to die, Bordelaise.'
Murzad says 'Free your mind of worry'
Murzad says 'Free of death, disease and anything bad'
Bordelaise closes her eyes
Murzad says 'Think positive'
Guyy blinks.
Murzad says 'Think about your times with true love'
Bordelaise says 'There is...one...thing'
Mercedes exclaims 'And this guild!'
Murzad leans towards you to listen.
Mercedes leans towards you to listen.
Guyy leans towards you to listen.
Lodon says '... '
Bordelaise says 'But...it will...not help...just make me feel...safe'
Bordelaise says 'I wish...'
Lodon leans towards you to listen.
Murzad leans towards you to listen.
Guyy leans towards you to listen.
Bordelaise says 'Tarantio finds my lands...and...'
Guyy blinks.
Bordelaise says 'Can tell me...that all...'
Bordelaise says 'My sisters...are still...alive...'
Murzad says 'You'll be able to return and see them for yourself'
Lal pads in from below on a young black lion. It's paws move swiftly and with purpose.
Mercedes gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Lal blinks.
Mercedes exclaims 'You just can't give up, little sis!'
Murzad asks 'Remember the times when we was young Bordelaise?'
Mercedes exclaims 'I won't let you!'
Guyy looks at Bordelaise, and his eyes begin dripping tears
Murzad says 'When you always used to be hidden'
Bordelaise nods slowly at Murzad
Guyy says 'You're not dying..'
Murzad says 'And i'd always be trying to figure who it was'
Mercedes exclaims 'Get up, Bordelaise! You're not dying, not if you don't let it get you!'
Bordelaise tries to stand up...
Bless floats in from the east the mists bronze hue shining dimly.
Murzad helps Bordelaise stand
Guyy says 'No, she should rest..'
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
You see Bordelaise's legs fold and she fall into the arms of Murzad
Bless gives out a depressed "Oh..."
Guyy says 'I think it'll make her situation only worse'
Bless says 'Aye let her rest'
Murzad lifts bordelaise into his arms
Mercedes says 'If she has to rest she's dying.'
Guyy lets out a deep sigh.
Lal's eyes begin to swell...
Guyy says 'Just ask her..'
Guyy leans towards you to listen.
Guyy says 'Wait'
Bordelaise says 'I...want to be up...and run around'
Guyy gives a sly smile.
Mercedes nods towards you.
Guyy says 'You will.... soon..'
Bordelaise says 'Like I...used to'
Murzad says 'Think positive'
Mercedes says 'You can't do that unless you think you can get past this.'
Lodon nods towards you.
Murzad says 'Think of all the good things'
Murzad says 'Forget everything negative'
Bordelaise says 'Yes...so many sweet things...thats why...'
Bordelaise says 'I dont want...'
Kazu gallops in from below upon a honey suckle mare
Kazu sits down.
Bordelaise says 'To die'
Mercedes exclaims 'Then don't let it beat you down!'
Guyy exclaims 'You wont die!'
Lodon says 'You are NOT going to die'
Bless drops his cup of tea
Murzad gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Bordelaise lifts the cup with both hands
Bless says 'Tis what helped Galthus when he was ill'
Murzad says 'We need to find a cure'
Bless nods at Murzad.
Lal looks away from Murzad and swallows hard.
You see Bordelaise hands shake, the tea cup in them
Mercedes gives a thoughtful "Hmm..."
Guyy says 'Umm'
Murzad asks 'Bordelaise have you tried the purity paste?'
Murzad says 'That should help'
Guyy says 'Try to mix this with the tea'
Guyy drops his honey
Bordelaise says 'This is all...very kind...of you'
Bordelaise puts her tea cup down, not able to hold it steady
Guyy shouts "ACK!" and looks guilty.
Murzad says 'Lal can you get a paste of purity'
Guyy HOLDs a cup of tea
Murzad says 'It should help a little'
Lal says 'Well - yes...'
Lal pads below the lion's jaw set and it's head low. A growl escaping it's maw.
Guyy helps Bordelaise drink the tea
Mercedes says 'I think the only one who can help you is..'
Mercedes ponders on the problem for a moment.
Lal drops his paste of purity
Lodon sits back down by Bordelaise's bed side.
Guyy asks 'You feel a bit better?'
Guyy leans towards you to listen.
Bordelaise says 'I...'
Bordelaise covers her face in her hands
Guyy blinks.
Bordelaise says 'I feel...good...having known you all'
* * *
A weary messenger enters Moorgate and wanders around lost, he asks for directions and eventually finds the public notice boards. Carefully the messenger places a notice on the board he then hands a package to a passing monk and walks to the docks to find his boat home. The note reads:
Dearest sister
Whilst travelling I have wandered the corridors of my mind and I remembered my promise to you. I have met an aging sprite who claims to be 60 years old! I have spoken with him for a long time now and we have discussed how we can try and hold back your aging. He said your best chance is to wear a bracelet of Unicorn hair. It took me a while but I found a unicorn and managed to get a few hairs (which were in a package I sent with this note). I am sorry I cannot do more yet, but when I find your home I shall find a cure.
Until I return, stay strong sister
T
* * *
<<walking along the docklands Colourman sees Bordelaise staring out to sea, he walks up behind her..>>
You cuddle Bordelaise.
You see Bordelaise's hair flow in the wind
You tap your foot testily.
Bordelaise says 'Hello...Colourman'
Colourman says 'This cold water front is no place for a sick spirte'
Bordelaise says 'But I...want to look...in the direction where...it must...be'
Bordelaise points southeast
Bordelaise says 'Out there'
Colourman raises his hand to shield his eyes from the winter sun and peers southeast
Colourman says 'I cant see, it must be a long way'
Bordelaise lets out a deep sigh.
You move to console Bordelaise.
Bordelaise says 'Yes...it must...be'
Bordelaise asks 'So, how are...you?'
Colourman says 'Please come inside with me, somwhere warmer'
Bordelaise is now following Colourman
Bordelaise says 'Yes...you may be...right
<<the two of them walk slowly to the woo hoo tavern>>
At the middle of the Woo Hoo Tavern.
The sort of place you don't find mirrors in. This is a hive of scum and villainy, or maybe not. A picture of Polly sits over the bar and you get the feeling the bartender's a womanising wretch.
Bordelaise says 'You are getting...close to entering...the towers'
You see Colourman walk over and push the door shut to keep the draft out
You nod your head at Bordelaise.
Bordelaise lifts her arms to give you a hug
Colourman says 'I am yes'
Bordelaise says 'That is...not easy to...reach'
You nod your head at Bordelaise.
Bordelaise says 'I have...been working on...it for two...years'
Colourman says 'I know its proving very hard, the last little bit the hardist'
You pat Bordelaise on the back.
Colourman says 'You'll walk into those towers yet'
Bordelaise looks to the floor
Colourman says 'Or flutter'
Bordelaise says 'I...doubt...that'
Bordelaise says 'No one...'
You listen to Bordelaise.
Bordelaise says 'Has been...able to come...up with an answer to...how to stop...this process'
Bordelaise says 'I know...for certain...'
Colourman says 'I've been giving it some thought'
Bordelaise says 'It is...aging'
Colourman says 'whatever it is i'll do my best to help'
You see Colourman take out a small note pad and a quill
You see Colourman lick the end of the quill
Colourman says 'I'll need to know lots about sprites'
You listen to Bordelaise.
Bordelaise says 'I..dont know much...about any...but the ones from...my homeland'
Bordelaise says 'Other...sprites seem...to live much...longer'
You give a thoughtful "Hmm..."
You pen a quick note.
Colourman says 'So maybe its somthing to do with your homeland'
You scratch your head.
Colourman says 'What do sprites from where you come from do diferent from others'
Bordelaise ponders on the problem for a moment.
Bordelaise says 'We...dont work'
You scratch your head.
Bordelaise says 'We eat...only strawberries...and hazelnuts'
Colourman says 'I would think that would help ye live longer'
Bordelaise says 'No...we try...to live...healthy lives'
Bordelaise says 'So...I dont know...why we dont live...as long as...others'
Colourman says 'Being a docter must be hard, seeing so many of the sick and di....'
Colourman says 'Injured'
Bordelaise lowers her head
You shuffle your feet uneasily.
Bordelaise says 'You can...say it'
You give a hug to Bordelaise.
Colourman says 'You'll pull through'
You see Colourman lifts Bordelaise tiny head with one finger
Colourman says 'I promise'
You see Bordelaise's mouth twitch a little, as if trying to break into a smile, but not quite having the strength
* * *
A tired monk enters the town through the east gate. Her steps lead her to the temple to thank Kali for the safe return. As she finishes her prayers, she becomes aware that she isn’t the only one praying here. Another monk is kneeling in front of the altar. Trying not to disturb his adoration she turns to leave quietly when her eyes have a glimpse on his face. Never before she had seen Brother Colourman in such a state of grief and sadness.
Worried about that she waits in front of the temple. When she steps beside him, he rouses from his thoughts.
“Oh Sister Aranel, did you hear it? Aren’t that dark times for us all?”
“I am sorry brother, I was on a journey and just arrived. What is it that worries you so much?”
“Our little sister – Bordelaise – she is fading away. If we can’t find something to help her, she will die soon!”
Aranel feels as if a cold hand is reaching for her heart.
“Bordelaise – dear little Bordelaise! This can’t be!”
Quickly Colorman informs her what happened.
“We know so less about her home and the curse, which seems to lay on her,” Colourman ends.
“Then we should try to find out more about that. Lets hurry to the mage’s library in Immigrants Way, perhaps we’ll find something that could help us.”
After hours of searching they discover an old dusty scroll on the top of one of the shelves. It tells of a healer, who travelled many countries a long tome ago to investigate strange diseases and their cures. The scroll mentions a diary of him but also that this diary is lost since ages.
Exhausted from the search and the sorrows Aranel and Colourman look at each other in despair.
Colourman sighs, “it is lost. Where else should we look for it. This library is nearly as old as the town itself. And if we can’t find it here …”
“But … but there is a place, which is older, and there can scrolls and parchments be found.”
Colourman raises his head. A flicker of hope in his eyes: “The Catacombs!”
* * *
In a tunnel of the catacombs
This was once a room but it has been filled in and converted into a section of tunnel. Bits of books and parchment are still here, an overhang from the tunnels old use.
As soon as Colourman and Aranel arrive this place they start to search through the remains of the books and parchment. A lot of fragmentary scrolls they find, but no sight of the diary of the healer.
“If ever we can find it, it MUST be here”, Aranel sighs and drops on an large rock, which rests in a corner of the room.
“But we turned every piece of rubble, every stone here in this room”, Colourman has a thoughtful look at the rock on which Aranel is sitting, “except this one.”
Aranel stands up and Colourman tries to move the rock.
“It is too heavy to move”, he says.
Aranel unpacks her crowbar and together they manage to turn the rock. In a pile of rubbish they discover the remains of a scroll. The scroll is badly damaged but some words are still readable:
… land to the east, where the sun is always shin…
… illage of sprites …
… strange time eff …
… vestigations and experiments have lead me to the concl …
… somehow connected with the diet they …
… most dangerous is the effect of cho…
… remove that as quickly as poss …
… as an antidote works …
With that the scroll ends.
Quickly Aranel copies the scroll before the remains crumble away.
“What may that be – cho ?” asks Aranel “and the antidote – is there really nothing more to decipher?
Colourman sighs, “no, that’s all. It seems our efforts didn’t help us in any way.”
“I wouldn’t say so, at least we know it has indeed something to do with food, and the most important – there is a cure for it.”
Colourman nods slowly, “but I fear we haven’t much more time to search for that.”
* * *
Sleeping Quarters
The sleeping quarters of the monks are designed like a huge
dormitory. Bunks line the walls and each bunk has a mat rolled up
neatly for the day. A small trunk sits at the foot of each bunk
and large divided closets sit against one wall.
There is a shimmering portal to the east
There is a guarded door to the east
Obvious Exits: West
A small lone sprite can be seen lying in a small bed by the window, a circle of unicorn hairs around her head on the pillow. Her face pale white, her lips dehydrated and pulled back so you can see her teeth. She looks even smaller than usual, not much flesh left on her body, her breathing is faint and unstable, and interrupted by short mumbling sounds as if dreams interrupt her sleep...but no, she isnt sleeping...her hand moves a little reaching for a glass of lemonade placed on a small table next to her, shaking as it leaves the bed.
A black lion is lying on the floor by her feet, anxiously looking up at her every time she moves or a moan slips over her lips.
The sprite slowly pulls her hand back as she realizes she will not be able to reach the glass, and instead places it in the other over her sunken chest, praying to Kali herself...but not to be spared, she has no longer any hopes of that, no...she is praying for her friends, for those she loves...
The mumbling stops, the sprite closes her eyes, her head now emptied of all thoughts, sweating and freezing at the same time...slowly fading further and further away...
* * *
Aranel slips in the sleeping quarters, quietly not disturb her beloved sister’s sleep. She has a look at the bed next to the window and gets pale as she realizes the state Bordelaise is in.
She keels beside the bed, tears run down her cheeks.
“Oh, dear sister, we have failed to find the cure in time. And now you … you ….”
Aranel swallows hard.
“And only with True Love as company.”
Carefully she holds the little hand hoping that Bordelaise will feel that she isn’t alone. With grief she listens to the short mumbling sounds, which becomes shorter and more quiet every minute.
“At least I will wet your dry lips, if there is nothing more I can do for you.”
As Aranel reaches for the glass of lemonade she realizes a plate with some cakes near it. A friendly soul must have placed it here to enjoy the little sprite with her favourite food – a chocolate cake.
A chocolate cake … chocolate … cho … !
Quickly Aranel removes the cake.
Is it true? With hope in her eyes Aranel looks at the sprite. Doesn't it seems as if there is more … more substance at her again? Or is that just an illusion?
* * *
<<A young monks appears at the east gate from the shadows, its late at night so the gates are locked. With a sly and knowing smiles he whips a paste of eagle's wings from his pack and takes a big bite, droping the rest his lion Ghost of winter eats the rest and the two of them grow small wings and fly silently over the city walls and through the monks guild council chambers window>>
Sitting at a desk with scrolls scatered all around is a very tired aranel.
Colourman walks over and touches her shoulder making her jump before she realises who it is.
colourman asks: is there any news?
aranel says: I found chocolate cakes at Bordelaises bedside, i took them away remembering the cho.. in the scroll. I may be imagining it but, well she seemed to look better when they were gone.
colourman strokes his frost blue hair as he often does when puzzled.
colourman says: well it could just be, lets hope so.
aranel nods
colourman says: I've just got back from traders way with Aven, we got seperated on the causeways i hope he's ok. We spoke to some sprites that live there. Only one old fellow claimed to have ever seen anything like what Bordelaise seems to have.
Aranel looks at colourman hopefuly
Colourman says: he was drunk and apparently spends to much time in the tavern. He says it was a younger sprite in a tree in darkwell, he said he could see very well but she seemed very weak.
* * *
I passed on a tale or a legend if ye prefer of me land to Cassandra, I'll recount the tale here fer it may help.
In my lands Sprites are called Fairies.
It is said that they all glow with an inner light. I have noticed too that Bordelaise's presence sort of radiates from her.
Now, the gods in their wisdom gave Fairies an inner fire, this is what makes them glow. This inner fire allowed the Fairies to accomplish great things within the span of their lives.
But the greater the actions, the brighter and more fiercly the fire burned and thus the fire would burn for a much shorter time.
Thus the greatest of the Fairies lived the shortest lives.
Is gentle Bordelaise's fire burning out? Can it be rekindled?
This is just a tale me people would share around the campfires of me grassland home, I know not if there is any truth in it, and I am not an expert of Fairies or their ways.
I pray that this will aid in the salvation of one of my closest friends.
Guild Guardian Alexander, Arok's Paladin
Child of Light
* * *
Bellona was sitting in the Moorgate Library. It had been nearly three days now, and she hadn't moved except to eat a little, or have a brief nap every now and again. She was searching desperately for a cure for her friend Bordelaise's mysterious illness. But as far as she had found, there was no real cure, because it wasn't really an illness. Bordelaise was simply dying of old age. Hers was a people who lived fast and short lives. And Bordelaise's mortality was scaring Bellona. It only inspired her to look harder for a way to save her friend.
Bellona continued reading. "Paul Muad'Dib had been the father of Leto II, a famous emperor whose life had been prolonged by consumption of Spice...", the spice of Rakis, a desert land, and home of the Shaitan, the great worms. The rare spice prolonged the lives of all who lived in Rakis, however it also gave them visions and turned their eyes a strange blue-on-blue. The visions the spice produced also always ended up killing the user eventually. Still, it might be a price worth paying.
The second possible solution Bellona had found had been the fountain of youth. Bellona speculated that it was possible that this was what Bordelaise suffered from. If a stream running under Bordelaise's homeland had had the qualities attributed to the mysterious water that was supposed to grant youth eternal, then it would have also lessoned the lifespan of any who drank it, or lived near it. And if it had been under the land they lived on, then clearly...But to make use of this hypothesis, Bellona would have to get some of the mysterious water, and distill an antidote from it. Getting ahold of some water of the fountain of youth would be like trying to get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...Difficult if not impossible.
Bellona replaced the books on the shelves, and walked out of the library. She found a page, and sent him to send a message by bird to the Great Library in the Sunset Isles. She was requesting information on the mysterious Orbs of life, something she had about by rumor. She also sent the boy to send a message to the library in Greece, to find out what they had on the subjects of prolonged life, curses, the fountain of youth, and the Rakis spice. Finally, she posted a message on the Monks' Message Board, requesting any information anyone might have on Bordelaise's illness. Then she went back to her guild, and slept for a night and a day. As she slept, she talked in her sleep. She kept saying "Muad'Dib, Muad'Dib..."
* * *
Bellona jogged out of the room where little Bordelaise lay sleeping. Oh, of course! How could she be so dense? What else could it possibly be? Bellona ran into the locker room in the monk's guild. She through open the door of her locker, and like a tornado, started to throw everything out of the locker. Quest items went flying. Various pastes shattered their containers and spilled all over the floor. A monk passed by, stopped, turned back, and gazed at the mess with a horrified expression. But Bellona ignored him as she searched her locker, as if in a fury. Finally, towards the bottom of the locker, she pulled out a small book, and clear a space on the floor, she sat down, and started to read. The monk watched her, and looked at the cover of the book. "The History of Chocolate." Why was the book so important?
Bellona, while she continued to read, holding the book in one hand, started to stuff the items back into her locker. She seemed transfixed by what she was reading. Every now and again, she would furiously grab the book with two hands and start turning pages, back and forth, as if she was looking for something. Finally, she saw what she was looking for, and searched through the remaining mess for a quill. She underlined something in the book several times, and ripped out several pages of the book. She dropped the rest of the book on the hearth, and shoved the rest of her stuff in her locker. Then she grabbed the unbroken pastes, shoved a few items into her knapsack, and rushed out of the guild. She nearly ran out of Moorgate, leaving by the east gate. Her familiar reckless grin, a grin she had lost years ago from tragedy, had returned to her lips, and she genuinely looked happy. She kept muttering to herself "Rakis spice! Of course, how silly could I be? What else could it possibly be?" as she rushed out, she dropped a few scrolls she had grabbed from her locker. The bemused monk who had seen her searching for the book, and who had follow her out, picked up the scrolls and skimmed them, reading the underlined parts:
...they were cacao beans, the source of all chocolate and cocoa...
...as the largest import of Rakis, chocolate is only rivaled by the unusual spice only found in the desert of Rakis...
...spice sometimes known as melange...
...worms of Rakis, whom it is speculated create the spice itself...
...cacao is the main food consumed by the great worms, who...
...Food of the Gods Chocolate was also known as a food of the Gods because of it's rich flavors and was often used in high cuisine...
...connections to the Fountain of Youth, which was reported to lie in a cavern beneath the largest plantations of the cacao trees...
...also was reported that the natives of these lands did not seem to age...
...Melange has been proven to lengthen lifespan, despite its supposed connection to the cacao bean...
...Myth has it that the consumption of chocolate made them eternally young, while the melange gave then eternal life...
The monk wasn't sure what to make of this, but carried the scrolls back to the guild, to see what others might think of this discovery. He dutifully tacked the scrolls up on the message boards, next to where other scrolls were tacked up on Sister Bordelaise's illness.
* * *
The ranger vaulted into the saddle, he knew every moment counted. He had seen Bordelaise earlier that day and although she had been brave to hide just how sick she really was he knew the truth, she had days left. He had promised her she wasn’t going to die and he had never broken his word, he wasn’t going to start now.
He said a word to his horse and it sprung into flight. It galloped as if all the hordes of Hell were on its tail. It hooves clattering on the cobbles of the streets as it galloped at full pelt. No time, there was simply no time.
Alexander had faith in those around Bordelaise to come up with a cure, but they were only flesh and blood and to discover these mysteries would take time and research. He knew they would be too late, he needed to ask someone who would know the answer, someone that lived forever, had the knowledge from the dawn of time in her hand.
The horse hammered through the Eastern gate, the guards shouting curses to the rider as he went past. Alexander would apologise to them later but now every second counted, their hurt feelings will wait, his dying friend was far more urgent. They would understand, though gruff they were good men.
As Alexander galloped along the causeway he let out a shrill whistle, a call. He repeated it over and over until there high in the sky he saw what he hoped for, Gwairhir. The giant eagle circled in the sky and then headed for the beach where Alexander would meet him.
On arriving at the beach Alexander vaulted from his horse and whispered a few words to it, it would stay where it was unless danger came its way. He then ran across the sand to the waiting eagle.
“My friend, tis so good to see you, but we have no time.”
Alexander jumped onto his back.
“Bordelaise is dying, and only one person can help”
* * *
The eagle drove his wings powerfully behind him and thrust them into the air.
“We need to go home, to the grassland. We need to go to the Fairy Queen”
The eagle let out a lot of caws and whistles in a warning tone.
“I know, I gazed on her once and was lucky to leave with me life fer her vision is not for mortal eyes”
The eagle continued.
“Yes, it is possible she will have me killed fer breaking the sacred law twice, but tis worth the risk, fer she will know a cure, she will know!”
If an eagle can give a disapproving look Gwairhir did then, he realised after all these years Alexander liked to push his luck, well who wanted to live a dull life anyhow.
They travelled across the sea for hours, Alexander trusting Gwairhir’s direction sense and letting him lead the way. Alexander slept on the eagle’s back, the soft feathers more comfortable than any pillow in the land.
As the sun started to rise in the sky Alexander gazed down and saw they had reached the grasslands of his home. The rolling grasses were like the greenest of seas. The wind that passed through them made them ripple and Alexander’s mind raced back to his boyhood when he would wander through the grasses as a hunter, how deftly and silently he would move, how close he got to the beasts he followed, sometimes he would reach out to them and touch them afore they fled in fear, yes so many years ago.
But the grasslands weren’t his real target, but a single large copse of trees that stood there, the home of the Fairy Queen.
The copse of trees were magical, once you entered their realm you stood in a great forest. Alexander had marked the exit the last time when he had sneaked in, this time he wished to be seen.
The copse came into sight and Alexander’s nerves made his belly feel as though butterflies danced in it.
“This is it me friend, if I do not return in one day then head back ta Moorgate and tell them of me demise and that we need ta find a cure somewhere else”
“The eagle landed and Alexander got down from its back. He walked slowly towards the copse of trees, he looked back at his friend on last time, waved then entered the realm of the Fairies.
Alexander gazed around him, as far as the eye could see were trees, huge trees, each one had a trunk so thick that 4 giants holding hands could not circle it. They were so tall that even when arching his head right back he couldn’t see the tops. The thick canopy of leaves hid the sun yet the placed glowed with a radiance that was silvery yet warm.
The Fairies of Alexander’s land were as big as men, their wingspan almost 7 feet across. The males were strong and quick, the females wise and beautiful. It was males, and guards in fact that found Alexander, their manner was not friendly.
Alexander stood with his arms outstretched, palms open and facing outwards in a sign to signify his intentions were not hostile.
“I come in peace. I wish to see yer Queen and beg her indulgence to aid me in saving a friend”
“You shall see the Queen indeed though yer life be forfeit for it, fer ye have broken sacred law mortal. Please follow us and know if ye wander from where we walk ye shall be killed”
Alexander followed the guards through the forest. As he walked Fairies appeared in the trees around him and when they saw a mortal in their realm the gasped with shock. He could hear the whispering voices behind him, getting louder and louder as more and more of the Fairies whispered of the folly of this grassland giant.
Eventually they reached an opening in the trees, in the centre three trees had seemed to have grown together and formed into a throne, a beautiful living throne. If Alexander noticed the beauty of the seat it is unsure for the awe and majesty of the throne’s occupant dropped him to his knees.
She spoke and the words were as musical as the sound of a mountain stream.
“Alexander, Arok’s chosen, child of Mara, defender of the White Deer, slayer of Frost Breath, you have entered my realm for a second time”
Alexander blushed, he never realised she knew of the first time.
She smiled and her voice was gentle.
“The White Deer asked me to spare your life even though you broke the sacred law. But now you enter my realm again, he will no afford you protection. Why have committed such folly? ”
“I seek your wisdom and beg your aid to save a dying fairy, she is my friend and I can’t let her die, I won’t let her die, even if the price I pay fer her life is my blood”
“You have my ear Alexander, tell me of her sickness”
Alexander missed nothing out, he told her of how Bordelaise was ageing and would die soon, he told of the theory of the Fading Sprite on the causeway and how this might be connected. He too told her what they fed this Sprite to heal her. And he repeated the legend he believed of the inner fire that the Fairies were blessed with.
In time the Queen responded.
“The legend is true, my fire has burned for 10 thousand years and will burn for another 10 thousand. We are the blessed children of the gods and were given this power. Our wings also are a symbol of their blessing on us. In the dawn of time there was a terrible god, an earth god that envied the gods of the sky thus he shackled man to the earth. If you jump the earth pulls you back down, that is his shackle still. The gods of the sky were angered but would not reverse his works. So they gave their blessed children wings so they could reach heaven.
But to your friend.
Have you noticed that when you feed the Fading Sprite that soon she seeks more from others, that she need this commodity constantly?”
“Yes this is true, indeed that has concerned me too”
“It is because she eats the wrong thing.”
The Fairy Queen makes a gem appear from nowhere in her hand, it is a large, perfect diamond.
“Tell me if I hold them diamond to the sun what happens?”
“It intensifies the light and burns golden”
“Yes it does Alexander, and that is the secret.”
“But if it is a diamond she eats how will light ever get to it?”
“I am glad your mind is open for what I tell you now will be your friends salvation but could also be her destruction”
A small pouch appears in the Fairy Queen’s other hand. She squeezed the gem and it turns to powder. She lets the power fall into the pouch.
“Her fire can be sustained by this diamond dust, if she brings light to it. The light must come from her heart and soul. She must be good and just and honourable else the light will cease and her fire will extinguish”
“She will live a good life or no life at all, that is what I can offer you Alexander, do you wish it?”
“She is good and true she will live. I accept”
“Then take this pouch and mix its contents with water. She must drink it all, then she will live, the effect will be instant if her heart is good”
The Queen throws the pouch to Alexander who catches it deftly.
“But Alexander your life is forfeit for breaking the sacred law. I am merciful though. I will call you to me and you will come. There you will serve me fer 3 months as my champion and my protector, you shall quest for me and put your life in danger on my desire. Do you agree? If you do not you will never leave this place.”
“I would have agreed to any demands and this is more than fair, I agree”
The Queen nodded and gestured to the guards.
Alexander was escorted to the edge of the copse and he left the realm of the Fairies and rushed over to Gwairhir.
“I have it my friend, I have a cure!”
Alexander hopped onto Gwairhir’s back
“Hold on Bordelaise, hold on one more day”
* * *
A small sprite lies in her bunk in the sleeping quarters of the monks guild, her skin pale, her eyes hollow, her breath faint. Brother Galthus is by her side, speaking words of encouragement in a low voice to keep her alive through the night, but mostly just sitting by her bed...silent, with a worried look on his face.
The silence breaks. Brother Guyy comes running up the stairs, shouting 'Bordelaise!...Bordelaise!...Alexander is at the gates!' Guyy picks, no...drags, the sprite from her bed, carrying her as he descends the stairs in just two steps and continues out the front door of the guild where he puts her down on the ground, gently. The sprite looks up...before her stands a proud mustang, with Arok's brave but tired Paladin in the saddle. Alexander jumps down from his mustang and produces a small pouch from within his cloak. 'Little one', he says, 'I have it'.
Quickly mixing the diamond dust from the pouch with water, Alexander speaks in a concerned yet firm voice 'Listen gentle one, I must tell you. The cure is at a price. The dust will bring yer fire back, make ye live fer ever...but the light to intensify yer fire must come from yer heart. The dust will strengthen the light, and so yer fire will burn fer eternity. But yer heart must be good and pure and kind. I offer ye a cure that takes away yer free choice, ye have to be good of heart or ye die...'
Alexander helps the sprite sit up and puts the vial to her mouth. The sprite swallows the fluid, then clutches her heart as she feels it fill her body...bending forward to lower the pain. A moment passes. The sprite opens her eyes and looks straight into those of Alexander, then speaks...hesitant 'I...I...I feel...
Alive!'