RP channel logs: Czrel, Morneson

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[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): They plummet through what seems to be the city's floor.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos draws her back into an alcove, and turns her around. The dagger blade is now at her throat. 'Why're you running after the little Drasnian?'
[RP]: Morneson snaps 'It's none of your business.' 'Ooohhh, look at this. New badge. Who do you work for now?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): After a long plunge, the odd couple find themselves landing in a pool of murky mud.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos spins Morneson around, slamming her hard into the wall, then, with his free hand, tilts the brooch.
[RP]: Morneson winces, trying to regain her breath. Sthanos continues. 'A little "A". How pretty.'
Morneson carefully manoeuvres her dagger until it is at his stomach. 'Let me go, or I'll rip your guts out.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel recovers himself. He remembers the fall and the splattering of the wet soil. Then he recalls the girl.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos sucks in a deep breath with alarm, then laughs. His breath is fruity, laden with strange spices. 'Must be the drug I'm taking... Not as good as I was before. But that's thanks to you, isn't it?'
[RP]: Morneson says nothing.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Well, go run after your little boy. Take good care of him. I'll find out where you work... and give you hell.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Girl?' He scans around the swampy mess trying to look for the dancer.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos withdraws his dagger, and slips away. Morneson slumps down with relief.
[RP]: Morneson mutters 'Too close, too close' before standing up again. She returns to the intersection, listening intently for unusual sounds. There are none.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Queerly, although the girl and him are nothing but strangers, he feels desperate losing sight of her.
[RP]: Morneson crouches down, examining the dirt road, and follows the freshes tracks down a winding alley.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'This is no time for your silly jokes Miss!' Czrel begins to yell. Darkness starts to take it's toll on the Drasnian's vision.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He continues to trudge around the mud. Then he catches sight of a piece of glittering clothing.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He recognises the material. It is a piece from the translucent dress that the dancer was wearing. He hopes that nothing has happened to her.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): As Czrel moves on forward, he sees a figure of a lady, her back facing him, resting against a tree.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Excited that he has found the girl, he calls out to her.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Girl, are you hurt?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He dashes towards the girl, but only to be stopped by the dancer herself.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'No.. No more closer.. Czrel..' she stutters.
[RP]: Morneson stops every so often to listen carefully and scan her surroundings and the rooftops, while checking the tracks to make sure she is heading in the right direction.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'No closer?' The baffled Drasnian replied.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Stay away... From me,' the girl pleads. 'Please...'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel ignores the girl. He slowly treks towards her, only to find a wide cut behind on her delicate back.
[RP]: Morneson hesitates at a junction, noting the slight scuffling, then turns and starts down yet another alley.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'But you're hurt,' Czrel says softly as he notices the wound. He slowly closes in on the dancer.
[RP]: Morneson collides into a Nyissan, and mutters an apology as she moves past the man.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The sudden stumble causes a small sharp edge in the tunnel to cut at the girl's clothing and thus the flesh on her back.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel advances to a distance where he can have a better view of her gaping wound.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'You're bleeding badly girl,' the Drasnian tells her. 'Don't move too much.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He recalls having some extra bandages from the ranger and begins to feel his pockets for them.
[RP]: Morneson freezes, as she catches a flicker at the edge of her vision. She spins around, but sees no one.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He finds them and carefully unwinds them. Then as gently as he can he tries to place the clean white cloth onto the girl's wound.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Immediately, the girl responds. 'Don't touch me!'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian is a little taken aback but nonetheless, he carries on to apply slight pressure on the girl's back.
[RP]: Morneson tries to calm herself as she follows the tracks, ignoring her twinging leg.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The dancer struggles to maintain her position of resting with her bare back against him.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Relax,' the Drasnian coaxes her. 'You'll be fine.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I know,' the girl replies sharply. 'I'll lob your head off.. If you peep.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): It is now that Czrel realises why the girl has been so defensive.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Her dress, torn during the plunge, can no longer protect her modesty. That was the reason why she had been trying to keep the Drasnian away.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'So you would rather bleed to death than letting me see you?' The Drasnian let out a chuckle as he tries to stop her bleeding.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The girl quickly folds her arms to cover her chest and winces. 'Men... Not a single one is good.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Does it hurt?' Czrel asks out of concern.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'You meant my wound or my pride?' The dancer remains protective of herself.
[RP]: Morneson slips on a puddle of something and stumbles. She thanks the Gods she did not fall, trying not to think what it could be.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The young man laughs at the girl's words. He does not reply, knowing that the girl might even have a sharper tongue than the ranger.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The bleeding subsides. Then he tries to wrap the bandage around her dainty waist.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Stop!' The girl almost screams. 'What are you doing?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): As she struggles, she falls backwards into Czrel's open arms.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Stop moving..' Czrel's words gets cut off.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): In front of the young man is a sight he had never before seen. A beautiful girl, in his arms, almost fully undressed.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel remains dumbfounded. Her soft luscious lips pout as she blushes feverishly. Her body, previously tensed up, now slowly slumps into the comforts of the Drasnian's arms.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Are you happy now?' the girl asks him.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel says nothing. He smiles lightly and slowly, the couple gently lock their lips.
[RP]: Morneson peers into the hole in the middle of the street, and stares in utter disbelief.
[RP]: Morneson regains her composure, quickly lowering herself into the tunnel. 'Czrel!' her voice cracks like a whip. 'What do you think you're doing, kissing a girl after running away from Osadiss?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Not now!' The words rage in the Drasnian's mind.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The sudden interruption by the ranger breaks the couple off. Czrel quickly takes off his cloak to cover the girl's bare body.
[RP]: Morneson scowls at the couple. 'Who're you?' she demands, glaring at the Nadrak.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Morneson..' Czrel turns around and begins his explaination. 'Calm down first.'
[RP]: Morneson snaps 'I am calm. I just want to know why you snuck off without even so much a goodbye.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The girl withdraws behind the young man. 'Who is she?' She whispers to Czrel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'My mentor... I suppose,' Czrel whispers back. 'Don't worry, she's not one of them.'
[RP]: Morneson folds her arms and puts on an air of one who's waiting.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian stand up and walks towards Morneson. 'I got hurt and she helped me escape. See?' Czrel says as he shows off his dried wound to the ranger.
[RP]: Morneson barely spares the wound a glance. 'I see,' she says acidly, 'And may I enquire how you became hurt?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Her words shoot at Czrel like an arrow to the head. 'No guessing, the guards maybe,' Czrel tries to lie to the ranger.
[RP]: Morneson gives him a long look. 'And what exactly did you do to make the guards attack you? Free your loved one? So that you can just run away without even so much a thought about the dangers of the city?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel gives the ranger a sheepish grin. 'Most importantly, we're safe now isn't it?'
[RP]: Morneson scowls. 'I don't even know why I volunteered for this task. So. Answer my question. Who is she?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I don't even know,' the Drasnian thinks. The previous question hurt like an arrow. This one whaps his head like a battering ram. 'She's.. She's..'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Vealare,' the girl snaps at the ranger. 'From Yar Gurak, who wants to know?'
[RP]: Morneson stares at Vealare. 'Oh charming. Absolutely terrific. So what are you two lovebirds going to do? Elope?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Vealare..' The name echoes in Czrel's mind. Dazed, he gives the ranger another sheepish look.
[RP]: Morneson catches the Drasnian's surprised look. 'You mean you didn't know her name?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian says nothing. He turns to the girl and beams broadly to her.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Warmly, the girl smiles back.
[RP]: Morneson rolls her eyes. 'Well, where are you two headed?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel continues to stare at Vealare dreamily. The girl answers the ranger. 'I'm going back home, I know he'll come along with me.'
[RP]: Morneson laughs, shaking her head. 'And you two plan to do that with nothing except what Czrel's carrying. You do realise our supplies are still with Osadiss right?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Osadiss?' The girl has never heard that name.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel turns back to Morneson. 'Speaking of which, how did you escaped?'
[RP]: Morneson shrugs. 'I didn't escape. Wasn't trapped in the first place.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I wouldn't bet on it that Osadiss will let you go like this,' Czrel replies. 'After you discovered his secret.'
[RP]: Morneson shrugs again. 'Well I have to go with you. There is no way I'm letting you traverse the Nyissan Jungle alone.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'What about them... Vultures?' Czrel frowns. The girl hastily moves behind the Drasnian's back, trying to avoid the ranger's viscous stares.
[RP]: Morneson smiles thinly. 'I think Harodus, if not Osadiss, has realised that my loyalty lies with the clan, not with his plan.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'What about our supplies?' The Drasnian questions Morneson.
[RP]: Morneson shoots Czrel a very hard look. 'We have to manage without them.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'There is no way we can go back to get them?' Vealare quietly enquires. The young man looks back at the girl, eyes widened at her courage to question the ranger's decisions.
[RP]: Morneson replies scathingly 'If you can think of a way of smuggling horses out under twelve guard's noses I'll be happy to listen.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Siding with his newfound love, Czrel adds to Vealare's defensive. 'We could just steal some supplies back.. Would be easy wouldn't it?'
[RP]: Morneson shrugs. 'Well since you've decided to take matters into your own hands I'm not making your decisions.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Even before she finishes her words, the rash young man has already began to make his way back up the tunnel. He glances at the Sendarian. 'Coming along?'
[RP]: Morneson glares at him and mutters 'This is why I never wanted children' as she hurries after Czrel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Vealare only smiles at the bickering pair. She realises that she needs rest and calls out to the Drasnian. 'Czrel... I'll just wait here.'
[RP]: Morneson gives Vealare a withering look. 'I'll stay with her. Go ahead and rob some poor Nyissan's goods.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel takes one last look at the Nadrak girl and his mentor, smirks smartly and disappears up the short tunnel.
[RP]: Morneson ignores the Nadrak, keeping her attention focussed on the surroundings.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The air carries the smell of strange, unfamiliar berries. Perhaps he did not smell it previously due to his dizziness.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos, lying flat on a rooftop, watches as the Drasnian emerges from the tunnel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian pulls up his hood and slips into the shadows casted by protuding and awkward buildings. He feels a queer sensation of being watched.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He scans around his area and finds no one. Deciding that it may be just the cold breeze, he shrugs it off and creeps deeper into the darkness.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel reaches the market square, a common place where the Nyissans do their peddling and trading.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He hides behind a pillar and looks around for a store which he can 'borrow' some items from.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos flits from one rooftop to the next, keeping a close eye on the Drasnian and his movements.
[RP]: Morneson ignores Vealare's attempts to talk to her.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel slithers around the darkness swiftly and like a slippery eel swimming in the waters.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos smiles to himself. Myara did know how to train her students.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He spots light behind a small shack built from the side of a strange building and decides to take a peek.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'A store! Just my luck!' He thinks, silently smiling to himself.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He slips to the backdoor and picks the lock with ease.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Then he quietly opens the wooden door.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos slips down from a rooftop into a dark alley, while keeping his eyes on the Drasnian.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The inside of the shack is lit by a dim lamp. The walls are covered with shelves filled with outdoor equipment.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel rubs his hands together in a greedy manner. He begins to pick out the ropes, dried rations and other stuff from the huge shelves.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos carefully draws his blackened blade, and waits patiently near the alley Czrel entered the square from.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Then he finds a backpack and throws everything inside. 'Shopping without payment,' he grins. As quietly as he came in, he leaves the wooden shack.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Thinking that it would be safest that he takes the same route back to the tunnel, he advances towards the market square and hides behind the same pillar.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos shifts his grip on the dagger, and pads silently along the pillar's shadow up to the Drasnian.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian hears a soft rustling. It tempts him to turn back to find the source of the sound. But thought of his love waiting for him below with the scornful ranger pushes him on.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos smiles to himself as he quickly slips the dagger under the Drasnian's neck. 'Thought I'd say hello to Myara's little boy.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A figure behind the assailant chortles smugly. 'Enough of hellos to my hood already?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos immediately throws himself sideways into a roll.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel steps out of the shadows and aims his dagger at the aggressor's head. 'Stop running, you'll only die tired!'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos gets onto his feet. 'I won't get tired.' He laughs as he takes a few steps backwards, keeping his back to the moon. 'Pretty little Drasnian boy... Myara must care a lot about you.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I don't know any.. Myara,' Czrel grits his teeth. 'Identify yourself.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos does a small bow, but keeps his eyes on the Drasnian. 'You don't know Myara? She's the green cloaked woman. As for me, I'm the man she ruined.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Ruin?' The young man's curiosity begins to be aroused. 'Elaborate.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos says flatly 'She ruined my reputation as a trader. So now I wander the streets... without a copper to my name. Sad enough for you?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'If it's money you wanted, you needn't go after my life,' Czrel replies tonelessly. 'If it's for revenge..'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos does not pay much attention on the Drasnian's words, but instead watches his movements very closely.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Then I wouldn't hesitate to finish up what Morneson started!'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos laughs hollowly. 'So her name is Morneson?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel begins to grow wary of the man's every move. 'I suppose it's her you were rambling about.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos bares his teeth. 'Perhaps, perhaps not.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel sighs and shakes his head. 'I'm kind of in a hurry,' the Drasnian grows bored of the man's mind games.
[RP]: (Morneson): Sthanos grins. 'Is that so? Go run back to mummy then. And tell her Sthanos is going to see her... soon.' He darts into an alley and disappears.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel watches the darkness devour the stranger. He shrugs, sheaths his weapon and leaves for the tunnel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Within moments, the Drasnian peeks out of the tunnel and carefully lowers himself onto the muddy ground.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A door bangs open along a side street.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Tendrils of smoke emerges from inside of the foul house, then a figure stumbles through into the fogging dawn.
[RP]: Morneson enters the city of Sthiss Tor, and notes with alarm at what is on one of the doors.
[RP]: Morneson shivers, drawing her cloak around herself. Vulture's nest. They are still around?
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The dark figure falls to the cold stone floor. Foam continues to froth from his mouth.
[RP]: (Morneson): The hooded ranger freezes as she steps on something in the gutter that groans.
[RP]: Morneson looks down with apprehension mixed with pity and disgust, and it takes some time before the reason why the face looked familiar sinks in.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He convulses and his body twitches violent.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Osadiss!' she whispers, and quickly drags the man out of the gutter. Osadiss is a mess, his face a mass of bruises and cuts. His body is in no better condition.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He shivers, after a while he falls silent and lays motionless like a cadaverous corpse upon the Nyissan road.
[RP]: Morneson throws down her backpack and yanks out her cloak, which she then uses to wrap around Osadiss. She manages to heave the limp man onto her shoulders, and staggers towards the nearest inn.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Countless hours pass and his mind begins to clear, the dried foam along his lips becoming a crust.
[RP]: (Morneson): Having deposited the unconscious man onto the bed, and retrieved her backpack, she now carefully cleans the wounds.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He struggles feebly to get to his feet, shakes his head and recalls the drugging done on him by the madman Sasser.
[RP]: (Morneson): Then, she sits back in a chair, taking out a leaf and chewing it to ease her headache.
[RP]: (Morneson): A few hours later, the man stirs feebly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He shudders in fear and hurrily limps out into the vast streets of Sthiss Tor.
[RP]: (Morneson): Osadiss gasps suddenly, convulsing as he screams soundlessly. Morneson barely manages to restrain him, receiving a few wild kicks and punches in the process.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A feeling of desperation overcomes him. 'My bride? Sthiss Tor? Sasser? Sthanos?' Questions pound on his head like a relentless hammer.
[RP]: Morneson says hoarsely 'Osadiss? Can you hear me? Osadiss!' The man sags, staring up at her blankly.
[RP]: (Morneson): She holds her breath, wondering if the man was sane or not, if she was too late. Eventually, the glaze fades from his eyes. 'You?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): His head whirls and his world nearly capsizes. Weakly, he props himself against a wall for support. 'I must.. Get back to.. Camaar.'
[RP]: Morneson breathes a sigh of relief. 'Yes, me, Morneson. What happened?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Osadiss stares at her for a moment longer, then bursts into hysterical laughter, punctuated by the words 'my daughter... Harodus... betrayal... Tyslon..."
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He looks up to the murky, cloud-filled sky and then to the foggy streets ahead of him. He shakes his head in dismay.
[RP]: Morneson grabs him and shakes the laughing man hard. 'Osadiss! Answer me!' 'Ohhhh Tyslon the traitor... left my daughter to the vultures... Oh, I hurt for so long, so very long... Harodus... who is he? Oh how it hurt...'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'You there,' a voice exclaims. 'Out of the way!'
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman sits back, gazing in horror, while Osadiss howls with laughter. 'Vultures! Ahhh... threw me off my seat... Tyslon comes! Every day! He taunts... taunts... taunts... and I hurt... Ohhh I'm so sorry Crysila, Siphyla... Two daughters... one young, one older... both gone!'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A slender arm tugs on Czrel's collar and pulls him away from the road. The next moment, a reckless carriage dashes pass in front of him.
[RP]: (Morneson): A moment later, the man's shriek gets cut off abruptly, and his head lolls back.
[RP]: (Morneson): Silence.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Value your life druggie,' a patrol corporal warns the half conscious Drasnian.
[RP]: Morneson slowly reaches to check the man's pulse, and she pales. Dead.
[RP]: (Morneson): At that moment, the door opens. Still in a state of shock, Morneson does nothing as two Nyissan men enter swiftly and remove her belt with her sword and her hunting knife from her boot.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): As Czrel turns to face him, the soldier lets out a short gasp. 'A Drasnian,' he whispers to his sergeant. 'From the Drasnian Port Authorities maybe?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus steps into the room, beaming brightly at her. Then his smile fades at the sight of the corpse on the bed.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'He may be one of Droblek's men,' the sergeant nods silently. 'Bring the druggie to him then.'
[RP]: (Morneson) 'Nedra's gold... they kept him for so long?' The Tolnedran shook his head. 'You should not be here, Myara.'
[RP]: (Morneson): That name is like a bucket of cold water to Morneson's face, and she flinches slightly. 'How did you know my name?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The patrol follows their superior's orders and drag Czrel towards the wharf.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus sits at the edge of the bed, unmindful of the corpse right next to him. 'First of all, I'm working for the Vulture's Nest. Secondly, so is Sthanos. Let's just say he's a bit obsessed about you.'
[RP]: Morneson gazes at Harodus, trying to absorb this information, then snaps 'What happened?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus glances at the Nyissan men, who close and shutter the windows, then they turned their backs.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The sergeant approaches a flat roof house by the wharf. But as he is about to rap on the door, he hears the steely sound of a dagger being drawn.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He turns, just in time to see the last of his men fall to the floor, dead.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Issa!' The sergeant curses aloud, drawing his sword.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus smiles, unhooking the skin from his belt and rummages in the backpack. 'Well, the attack had to go on without you two. I pose as a desperate man, trying to get help from the Nest, but before we could even start we were overrun by the Nest.'
[RP]: (Morneson): He finds two wooden cups, and pours out two cups of wine. He hands one to Morneson, while sipping from his own.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A flash of a dagger across the guard's neck sees a stream of hot, crimson fluid squirt out.
[RP]: Morneson cautiously sniffs the cup, and Harodus watches her, looking a little sad. 'It's clean. It seems Tyslon had betrayed Osadiss, in hopes of usurping Osadiss. In the confusion, Tyslon was killed, Osadiss captured and I, well, I surrendered.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus drains the cup and pours out another. Morneson only takes a small sip. 'I pretended I was captured, which wasn't far from the truth, and that I would work for the boss if I could get my hands of Cheslat. I pledged my loyalty.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The last of the soldiers' bloody bodies fall beside a dizzy Czrel. Almost as swiftly as he came, the killer picks up the young Drasnian and disappears back into the fog.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Tolnedran smiles mildly. 'Or so he thinks. The boss agreed. I don't know who he is... being paranoid and 'mysterious', he's always appeared wearing a mask and speaking in a whisper.'
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Well, I proved myself capable. Too easy really. Nyissan politics are nothing like Tolnedran ones. Chestlat was delivered to me, and he's taking care of Siphyla.' He smiles oddly. 'Just like the old days.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Suddenly, someone softly knocks on the door.
[RP]: Morneson hisses, and draws her hood over her head. Harodus taps one of the guards, who opens the door.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The young Drasnian slumps onto the floor, unconscious. The figure behind merely chuckles. 'Look what I've found among the morning trash.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus raises an eyebrow. 'Certainly smells like the morning trash.'
[RP]: Morneson remains quiet, hiding her face from Sthanos. 'Czrel? What is he doing here?' she thinks.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): As Sthanos steps into the room, he pushes back his hood. He stops dead in his tracks and sniffs about the air in the room.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Smells like... Myara,' he curses. 'Unhood yourself woman.'
[RP]: Morneson throws back her hood and stares coldly at the Nyissan. Harodus just merely smiles to himself.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Sthanos smirks proudly. 'Now I have both mentor and student.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus frowns slightly. 'What took you so long?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Had to pick through a lot of morning garbage,' the Nyissan assassin answers coldly. 'Just to find him.'
[RP]: (Morneson): The Tolnedran raises an eyebrow, folding his arms. 'I thought you had the boy already? All we needed to do was wait for her to appear.'
[RP]: Morneson stiffens, glaring at Harodus.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Sthanos' glare remains on Myara. 'The boy escaped and he killed my dear friend, Sasser.'
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Sasser? Ah yes, your pupil. I guess you didn't train him well enough,' Harodus replies coolly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I'll have her pay for all these,' the assassin spits, his eyes burning with rage.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Silence falls as the Sendarian and the Nyissan exchange deadly stares.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus continues smiling slightly, but his eyes have hardened.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'What do you say if I have the Sendarian tonight?' Sthanos snickers to the Tolnedran. 'After that then I'll gut her.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus turns to look at Morneson speculatively. 'Why not have her now? And wake the boy up. He'll want to watch this.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I can't wait to hear you scream and moan Myara,' The Nyissan almost squeals in delight.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus nods at one of the men, who grabs the Drasnian and slaps him.
[RP]: Merchant Czrel stirs in his sleep. 'Morne... Morneson?'
[RP]: Morneson growls, tensing herself.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Watch and learn Drasnian boy,' the assassin scowls at Czrel as he reaches for the ranger's hair.
[RP]: Morneson twists to face Sthanos, but he gives her a ringing slap across the face that dazes her.
[RP]: (Morneson): Just then, Harodus lashes out with his previously concealed knife, and it slices smoothly through Sthanos' ribs.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Nyissan's eyes bulge.
[RP]: (Morneson): Smiling satisfiedly, Harodus reaches out to support the Nyissan as he slumps to the ground. 'One thing you must learn, Sthanos, is that I'll never let anyone hurt her.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Tol.. Nedrans..' Then Sthanos leaves it hanging.
[RP]: (Morneson): He pats Sthanos on the cheek, then regards Morneson gravely. 'So, another chance to strike at the heart of the Nest.'
[RP]: (Morneson): He smiles wryly. 'Boy, promise me you won't run this time.'
[RP]: Merchant Czrel remains in a state of daze.
[RP]: Morneson suddenly stands up and starts kicking the corpse, snarling curses.
[RP]: Morneson gives the corpse a final, vicious kick, then spins around and gives Harodus a hard slap. The Nyissan guards exchange uncertain looks.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The young Drasnian eyes the couple oddly.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus blinks at the ranger puzzledly, raising a hand to nurse his cheek. 'That's the second time you've done that, though why I don't know.'
[RP]: Morneson snaps 'Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why did you not let him live? And why do you even try? You know I'm engaged.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The dizzy Drasnian fiddles with his fingers. Then he giggles uncontrollably.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Tolnedran shoots Czrel a blank look.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus chortles to himself. 'I'll never understand women. Morneson... I love you, but I won't take you away from who you love.' He pauses. 'That sounded unusually... mushy from me.'
[RP]: (Morneson): He stands up, still rubbing his reddening cheek, and peers down at the Drasnian. 'He'll have to wait. We must act now.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel begins to play with a guard's boot laces, oblivious to everything that has happened.
[RP]: Morneson buries her face into her hands. Harodus watches her expresionlessly. Eventually, she shakes her head. 'All right then.'
[RP]: Morneson draws out a leaf from her pouch and squats next to Czrel. She gently grips his chin and peers into the Drasnian's eyes. Then stuffs the leaf into his mouth.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): For a moment, he chews the leave obediently. But in the next, he spits it out in disgust.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Morneson? Is that really you?'
[RP]: Morneson frowns disapprovingly, almost back to her old self. 'That was a waste of a good leaf, young man,' she says sharply, 'And yes, it's me.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian slowly gets up from his position. 'What was that foul tasting thing?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus shrugs.
[RP]: Morneson mutters 'Something for my headaches. It's an antidote to some poisons too. Clears your head.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel shakes his head a bit to clear his vision and immediately sees a corpse.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Stha.. Sthanos? Dead?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus bows mockingly. 'Yes, at my hand.'
[RP]: (Morneson): He gestures at the guards, who slip out of the room. 'Come on. We'll be meeting the boss today.' He smiles at Czrel. 'And it's your chance to take down the Nest.'
[RP]: Morneson says softly 'Osadiss is dead too.' She offers a hand to Czrel. 'Vealare was very upset and worried, you know.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The young man continues to look disbelievingly at the Nyissan's body. 'Vealare?'
[RP]: Morneson clicks her tongue in annoyance. 'Your fiancée. Your to-be-wife.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel's eyes bulge in terror. 'Belar.. I missed the wedding.'
[RP]: Morneson says dryly 'No, really. We haven't noticed. Come on, boy, we must take down the Nest. Vealare can wait.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He punches the wall with his fist. 'Sthanos deserves to die anyways.' Then he gives a kick to the body's unflinching side.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus puts on an expression of extreme patience.
[RP]: Morneson strides out of the door, and glances over her shoulder. 'Coming?' she asks archly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Without turning back, he leaves the room after Harodus.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus stops, donning the silk, black robes one of the guards are holding. He gestures at the two to do the same.
[RP]: Morneson accepts the robe and tosses her cloak aside. She ties the robe and draws up the hood.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel follows suit and dons the glossy, black clothing.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Tolnedran fastens the golden brooch, and fingers the gold embroidery down the fringes of the sleeves. 'Don't speak. And take the two weapons. You two will be posing as my guards.'
[RP]: Morneson takes the long spear and hefts it. She frowns.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'They sure look like Grolim robes,' the Drasnian mutters under his breath.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The air was tense along the corridor.
[RP]: Morneson examines the spear and scowls even deeper. 'Poison?' she says disgustedly.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus shrugs. 'Quicker to kill someone. Besides, spears give you longer range.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus raises an eyebrow at the two Adventurers. 'So, are you ready?'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel scrutinizes his new clothing. The black cloak he is wearing appears to be too large for him but he remains quiet.
[RP]: Morneson nods, bending down to strap a dagger to her boots.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus draws out a small cylinder from his sleeve, and hands it to one guard. The man nods and strides away, while the other picks up Sthanos' corpse and, with some difficulty, heaves it over his shoulder.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The young Drasnian begins to feel nervous for they are about to confront the mastermind of the Nest.
[RP]: (Morneson): After a moment, Harodus nods. 'Time to go then. Follow me.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel glances at Morneson, awaiting her move.
[RP]: Morneson catches Czrel's eye, and shrugs. 'We follow him I guess...'
[RP]: Morneson notes the Drasnian's nervousness, and gives him a reassuring pat.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Tolnedran leads them out of the inn, where a small woman stands, holding the reins of three horses.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel tails closely behind the Sendarian.
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman bobs a curtsey, and disappears into the shadows, heading towards the gate. Without a word of explanation, Harodus mounts the horse, wincing slightly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Seeing Harodus' actions, Czrel follows along and mounts his brown horse.
[RP]: Morneson is slower to follow, shifting the unfamiliar silken robes.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Come on,' the young Drasnian gently nudges his steed to a trot. The party begins to move off.
[RP]: (Morneson): Once out of Sthiss Tor, they follow the main road for a while, then Hadron turns left, riding straight into the undergrowth.
[RP]: Morneson raises an eyebrow, but follows.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel remains quiet and tails closely. His grip on his spear tightens, as if he is ready to impale any nearby enemy.
[RP]: (Morneson): Despite the hanging vines and menacing shadows, Harodus plunges on confidently. Eventually, they reach a small clearing, where a small hut stands.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Are we there yet?' The young Drasnian questions Morneson softly.
[RP]: (Morneson): He dismounts, gesturing at his 'guards' to stay where they are, and disappears into the hut.
[RP]: Morneson casts darting looks around the clearing. 'I doubt it...' she replies quietly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Peering around, Czrel fails to find anyone else in the clearing. Perhaps he has been overly tense.
[RP]: (Morneson): After a moment, Harodus emerges, and walks up to them. 'Walking from here. They will take our horses.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'They?' Czrel replies with surprise.
[RP]: (Morneson): A group of children appear from amongst the trees, dark eyes glittering suspiciously as they surrounded them.
[RP]: Morneson freezes, holding her breath. 'Where in Issa's name did they appear from?' she mutters.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel pulls back his arm, ready to impale an approaching child.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus looks amused. 'Wipe those puzzled looks from your faces. It's not the... first time you've seen them. They're perfectly safe.'
[RP]: (Morneson): The child bares its teeth at him, and shrills something.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Safe?' Czrel eases his spear.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Look at those teeth,' he continues. 'Far from safe.'
[RP]: Morneson trods on Czrel's foot. 'We're pretending we've been here many times, remember?' she hisses.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel smiles sheepishly. 'All right you want my horse?' He jumps off his mount and pats the child's head affectionately.
[RP]: (Morneson): The child cocks its head, regarding him curiously.
[RP]: Morneson dismounts, pretending to ignore the existence of the children.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel reaches into his warm pockets and fishes out a single gold coin. 'There you go, a tip,' he smiles proudly as he hands the coin to his attendant.
[RP]: (Morneson): All eyes swivel to Czrel.
[RP]: Morneson groans to herself.
[RP]: Merchant Czrel blinks slowly...
[RP]: (Morneson): The child stamps its foot three times. Harodus grins at Czrel. 'I strongly suggest you give them your horse. Unless you want to be the one who feeds them.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel frowns. 'What kind of weird people don't want gold?' He thinks to himself. Obeying Harodus, he hands over his reins.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus smiles mysteriously, disappearing into the dense jungle again.
[RP]: Morneson grips Czrel by the arm and drags him after the Tolnedran. 'I think he means... if you don't give them the horse they'll eat you,' she whispers.
[RP]: Merchant Czrel blinks slowly...
[RP]: Morneson rolls her eyes.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Eat?' The Drasnian gulps uneasily.
[RP]: Morneson mutters something to herself.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): His footsteps quickens. 'We'd better get to Harodus before he disappears from our sight.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus stops at a particularly large tree, and picks up a hollow stick hidden under a fern.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel, still tailing close behind Morneson takes a slight peek at the Tolnedran. He seems more than familiar about this strange jungle.
[RP]: (Morneson): After shaking it free of dirt and bugs, he blows it. One soft note sounds. He then quickly replaces it. 'Don't move no matter what happens, and listen to their instructions,' Harodus advices them.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Whose?' Czrel questions innocently.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Looking over to Morneson, she just remains quiet. Czrel decides to follow suit.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): No sooner, a giantic python appears from the thick dense undergrowth.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): It hisses gently at the Tolnedran but as it closes in upon the two Adventurers, it begins to snarl violently.
[RP]: Merchant Czrel frowns.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Too afraid to move, he glances sideways towards the ranger. Her feet is rooted to the ground too.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The snake slithers quickly towards the Drasnian, encircling him slowly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A wet flickering tongue touches the back of his hood and immediately, the huge python crawls away from him.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): It does the same thing to Morneson and almost as swiftly as it came, it melds into the shadows of the jungle.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Leaving it's soft hisses lingering gently in the stale mossy air.
[RP]: Morneson slowly turns to Harodus, a grin plastered to her face. 'Good one.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'What was that?' Czrel's curiosity gets the better of him.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus shrugs. 'An anaconda. Come on, we're wasting time.'
[RP]: (Morneson): As he speaks, a wooden platform is lowered. Harodus steps onto it, and quickly grabs onto one of the suspending ropes. 'I hope neither of you are afraid of heights.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The two Adventurers silently step onto the platform together with the Tolnedran.
[RP]: (Morneson): With a violent jerk that almost sends them over the edge of the platform, the platform begins its erratic ascent.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Still curious about the snake, Czrel touches the back of his hood where it is wet with the anaconda's saliva.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Then slowly, he brings his hand to his nose.
[RP]: Morneson watches Czrel with a kind of horrified fascination.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'What kind of scent is this!' Czrel exclaims with a repulsed look upon his face.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Harodus chuckles softly at the young man.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus chuckles. 'Oh, just a marker. To make sure the other snakes won't bite you.' Morneson's face pales.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'You mean there are more?' she exclaims.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus merely smiles in response. 'We're almost there.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I sure hope they aren't as big as that one,' Czrel mutters under his breath while peering far down onto the jungle floor.
[RP]: (Morneson): The platform shudders to a halt. A group of slaves rush to secure the platform, while others release the thick rope, sinking to the floor in exhaustion.
[RP]: (Morneson): A network of wooden platforms, bridges and ladders spread out from the trunk, even to one or two neighbouring trees.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Peering around, Czrel realises that they are high up in the canopy of the Nyissan Jungles.
[RP]: Morneson bites back a yelp as a snake slithers over her boots.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Snakes in the canopy,' Czrel frowns.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus converses with a group of women, who nod. 'Come!' Harodus snaps, spinning sharply on his heel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Remembering that they are suppose to pose as Harodus' guards, they respond immediately and walk briskly after the Tolnedran.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Nyissan women watch them walk away, eyes bright, before they scatter to return to whatever tasks they were doing.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): As they follow Harodus along, they come upon an enornouse slanting tree trunk leading up to a palace like hut built among the leaves.
[RP]: (Morneson): Eventually, after a series of bridges and ladders, they arrive at the uppermost platform. By then, Hadron is limping slightly, a sheen of sweat on his face that did not originate from the heat.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The two tall lanky guards outside the grand log house gives the Tolnedran a silent nod.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Tolnedran ignores them, sweeping straight past them into the house.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): But as the other two approaches, they step forward to stop them.
[RP]: Morneson blinks calmly at them.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Halt,' one of the guards orders.
[RP]: Morneson slows and stops.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Check them for the anaconda's mark,' he tells his partner. His partner agrees and closes in towards the pair.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel remains still.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus smiles at the beautiful woman lying on a divan. 'Mother, I greet you,' he intones solemnly, dropping to his knee.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The guard walks behind the two Adventurers and signals to his partner.
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman regards him for a moment. 'Rise, my son.' Then a warm smile breaks out on her face. 'You have done far better than I have expected.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Around the room, the guards hiss in respect.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Then the tall armed guard near the door way steps into the room and bows.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Mother, they both have the anaconda's mark,' he reports.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus stands up, his face expressionless.
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman nods. 'Then the Nest welcomes those who guard its precious son. Come in.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'So this is it, the Nest,' Czrel whispers inaudibly to Morneson.
[RP]: Morneson nods tersely. 'Best bow or something.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel falls to his right knee alike the Tolnedran. 'My greetings to you.. Mother.'
[RP]: Morneson follows Czrel, echoing his words. Then, out of the corner of her mouth, she whispers 'Don't get up until she says so.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel nods slightly, his excitement almost oozing out of him.
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman stands up, waving away the slave fanning her. She is dressed in what appear to be rags at first sight, but turn out to be feathers and dark scraps of cloth.
[RP]: (Morneson): Wing-like sleeves spread as she raises her arms. 'Leave us, save the Beloved and the two who guard my son.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel and Morneson both remains kneeling on the firm wooden flooring.
[RP]: (Morneson): All but three guards file out of the room, each bowing deeply before they leave the room.
[RP]: (Morneson): The thick doors close.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Is she going to ask us to stand up?' Czrel mutters silently to the Sendarian ranger.
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman beams brightly. 'Come, my son. Come embrace mother.' Obediently, Harodus walks up to the dais and hugs her.
[RP]: Morneson watches the woman and gives an almost imperceptible shake of a head.
[RP]: Morneson mutters 'My knees are going to kill me for this...'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The translucent veils part as the Tolnedran moves forward to embrace the Mother.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Through the gap, Czrel observes the woman.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): She is of a small build and she looks no older than Morneson herself. Her long jet black stand out as it gently licks her milky white skin.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Ah, where is your brother?' 'I fear I have not seen him today, Mother.' 'Ah... ah... It is so lonely being up here. I cannot see the little ones going home.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The veils flap playfully in the soft wind. Again, the woman is hidden from the prying eyes of the two still kneeling on the floor.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus nods. 'I'm sure Sthanos... my brother... will be here soon.'
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman rests a delicate hand on Harodus' chest. 'Are there enough homes? To take in the little ones?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus nods again. 'The homes were very happy to see the little ones. They gave us much money.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The keen ears of the Drasnian picks up their soft voices. 'I think she's asking about.. The slaves,' he discreetly informs Morneson.
[RP]: (Morneson): Suddenly, screams ring out outside the house. Harodus whirls around, making a minute gesture at the Adventurers.
[RP]: (Morneson): The woman steps past him. 'No worries... just some little ones being naughty...' she says dreamily.
[RP]: (Morneson): The three guards - the Beloved - have drawn their swords. Morneson glances at Czrel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel is a bit surprised at the Tolnedran's vast knowledge. He even knows the secret finger language the Drasnians use.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'He said.. Kill them,' Czrel blurts out plainly.
[RP]: (Morneson): Looking vaguely annoyed, the woman flaps her hands at the guards. 'Put the toys away! You'll scare the little ones!'
[RP]: Morneson springs forward, scything her long spear at one of the guards. He collapses, clutching at his throat. Blood bubbles up.
[RP]: (Morneson): The other two guards hesitate, unsure of whether to obey the woman or to protect her.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel signals back to the Toldnedran, 'Hide you fool!'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus smiles satisfiedly, shaking his head. 'Go fight. I have their mother.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel frowns. He draws out his hidden spear and hurls it at an approaching guard.
[RP]: (Morneson): The guard falls.
[RP]: (Morneson): A moment later, he grasps the spear, having pulled it out of his side, and lungs at the Drasnian.
[RP]: Morneson engages the other guard in a furious flurry of weapons.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Belar! Just die won't you?' Czrel screams at the charging guard while unsheathing his dagger.
[RP]: Morneson yells 'I think they're drugged against pain!'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The wounded guard tries to jab, totally ignoring the innards pouring out of him.
[RP]: Morneson ducks the arc of silver over her head, and thrusts her spear full length into the guard's chest. The man staggers backwards, tugging the spear out of her hand.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Puzzled, the Drasnian, dodges the guard's jabs and swings to his back. He takes out his knife and plunges it deep between his shoulder blades.
[RP]: (Morneson): He regains his balance, swaying as he stumbles towards Morneson. She backs away, hastily drawing her dagger.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Blood spills all over the floor, but the Nyissan guards still fight as good as new.
[RP]: Morneson grimaces. It would be hard to kill him trying to get past that swinging spear shaft and his deadly sword.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I think we have to hit the vital parts!' Czrel raises his voice over the metallic clashing of weapons to shout a suggestion at Morneson.
[RP]: Morneson braces herself, then brings up her dagger to deflect the coming blade while grabbing the spear and yanking hard.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel dives down as his opponent whirls around with the spear aiming right at his head.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Taking the chance, the Drasnian rebounds from the firm logs securing the floor to slash the guard at his face.
[RP]: (Morneson): The guard sways, and charges the Sendarian clumsily.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Crimson fluids ooze out from the deep long red scar on his face but the guard relentlessly tries to spear Czrel.
[RP]: Morneson sidesteps the attack, driving her spear into his neck. Too late, she tries to jump out of the flailing blade's path, and receives a large gash across her stomach.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): This time, the guard hits the Drasnian. Fortunately, the poisoned tip jabs straight at the single gold coin Czrel has in his pocket.
[RP]: Morneson gasps, her hand quickly going to the wound. Fortunately, it is shallow. And yet...
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus rushes forward, leaving the dazed woman mumbling to the air, and draws out a vial. 'Quick. Drink this.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Better luck next time,' Czrel smirks at the stunned Nyissan. He raises his knife and plunges it directly in his heart.
[RP]: Morneson nods, beginning to feel the effects of the poison. She tips the vial's contents into her mouth and swallows.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Finally, his opponent falls. Czrel turns around just in time to witness Harodus embracing the Sendarian.
[RP]: (Morneson): Suddenly, Harodus shoves her aside, drawing his dagger.
[RP]: (Morneson): A fourth guard, having climbed in through a window, attacks.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Upon seeing the Tolnedran in danger, Czrel dashes towards the guard and bashes him off balance.
[RP]: (Morneson): Awkwardly, Harodus ducks the weapon, and tries to close in.
[RP]: (Morneson): Feinting, the guard trips the Drasnian, and jams his sword full length into Harodus' heart.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Warm blood splatters on the Sendarian's face.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus convulses, his body arching in pain.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel looks on, horrified.
[RP]: Morneson stares up at the guard, who is trying to pull out his dagger, stunned.
[RP]: Morneson recovers from her shock, fumbling with her dagger as she fought the poison's aftereffects.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The gleaming silver stuck on the Toldnedran's chest seem to cackle madly as he begins to fall backwards.
[RP]: (Morneson): Desperately, the guard releases his hilt, and raises his fists in a futile gesture.
[RP]: Morneson plunges the dagger into the man's eye.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel dives upon the befallen guard, his dagger eviserating him.
[RP]: (Morneson): A hand closes on Morneson's ankle, making her jump.
[RP]: Morneson looks down. 'H... Harodus?'
[RP]: Morneson quickly kneels down. 'Oh Belar...'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel sighs upon the sight of the bloodied hilt so close to Harodus chest.
[RP]: Merchant Czrel shakes his head.
[RP]: (Morneson): A pool of blood spreads rapidly across the floorboards, faster than the wood can absorb it.
[RP]: (Morneson): Coughing, Harodus smiles weakly at Morneson. 'T-tell me...' he whispers.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): As the dazed Morneson tenderly cuddle the dying Tolnedran, Czrel turns his sight upon the Mother.
[RP]: (Morneson): Morneson leans forward, trying to catch his words. 'Do you... love... me?'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus looks up at her, his gaze unwavering as the Sendarian hesitates to answer. 'The... truth...'
[RP]: Morneson looks away.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel's mismatched boots dip into blood with every step he takes as he slowly approaches the bedazzled woman upon the dais.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Please... I must... know...'
[RP]: (Morneson): 'No.'
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus' eyes widen, and life seems to drain out of him. Morneson stares down at him, tight-lipped.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'I'm... I'm sorry.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel takes his time, a step at a time as he climbs up the small flight of stairs leading to the translucent veils.
[RP]: (Morneson): Harodus shakes his head, laughing silently. 'I'll...' he coughed. 'never... under... stand you... women...'
[RP]: (Morneson): And he falls silent.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Bloodied hands quietly lift the veils.
[RP]: (Morneson): A cup clatters onto the floor.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Behind the curtain laid the Mother.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel remains speechless.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): At such close range, only did he realise..
[RP]: Morneson stands up, trembling slightly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'This can't be..' Czrel stammers.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A metallic clank sounds off as the Drasnian's knife hits the floor.
[RP]: Morneson stares down blankly at the Tolnedran's corpse, before the clank of the knife shakes her out of her reverie.
[RP]: (Morneson): Lifting her gaze to the dais, she sees the Drasnian standing there, his hand strangely slack.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I knew.. You will come back to me..' The dying woman whispers softly to Czrel.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Her voice struck Czrel with both pain and yearning.
[RP]: Morneson stands there, not comprehending.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): It belong to a woman that he has been wanting to see all his life.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A woman whom he had thought perished in a fire.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'No.. You died in the fire..' Czrel replies, still stammering.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The woman smiles feebly. 'Sssilly child.. That dream was an illusion I gave you.. So you would think of me and miss me..'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Hot tears stream down the Drasnian's cheeks.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'And you fooled me? Did you know how much I yearned to see you?' Czrel sobs.
[RP]: Morneson slowly approaches the dais.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Summoning the last of her strength, the woman slowly sits up.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Now face to face with his own mother, Czrel can feel his sense of belonging. But it is all too late.
[RP]: Morneson stops, realising the similarity between the woman and Czrel. 'Torak's balls...' she whispers.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): She reaches out with a hand and touches Czrel's face affectionately.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Then she coughs out black blood from her dainty mouth.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel keeps his solemn silence. He does not want his voice to break this moment of truth. It seems like a dream to him but the pain in his heart is real.
[RP]: (Morneson): The door crashes open, and Morneson spins around to see armed men hauling a familiar person into the room.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Haro... Issa!'
[RP]: (Morneson): The Nyissans stand there, stunned at the sight.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Harodus is dead,' Morneson says dully.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The pale Mother speaks nothing. Her dying eyes are gazing only upon her flesh and bones.
[RP]: Morneson transfers her gaze to the trussed up man. 'Who's he?' she asks quietly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Realising that time will not freeze for him, Czrel reaches out his hand and touches his mother's face in return.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Drops of tears start to wet the soft cushions.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Chestlat. He strangled Siphyla and tried to escape. He was acting all along.'
[RP]: (Morneson): The Nyissan pauses.
[RP]: (Morneson): 'Are you all right?'
[RP]: Morneson gives the man a wane smile. 'Perhaps.' She turns back to regard the body. 'Give him a good burial. He... he deserves it.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Mother slowly wipes off the tears from Czrel eye. 'Remember this my dearest Czrel, I have always loved you and yearn for your return..'
[RP]: (Morneson): The Nyissan peers past Morneson. 'We have come for her.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'I'm sorry.. I haven't served my role as a dutiful mother.. But all I've done have brought you back to.. Me..'
[RP]: Morneson shakes her head. 'No.'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel is totally oblivious of the men around him.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Nyissans look taken aback. 'But she's the Nest Mother! She's... committed so many crimes!'
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Mother coughs up blood a final time.
[RP]: Morneson gives them a flat look.
[RP]: (Morneson): The men take a step back.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'If.. I could hear you call me Mother.. Just once..' She whispers weakly.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Silence.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Death feels every vein of Czrel's body.
[RP]: Morneson closes her eyes in grief.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Mother!' The Drasnian screams in agony. 'No!'
[RP]: (Morneson): 'She's gone... beyond anyone's reach,' she says softly.
[RP]: (Morneson): The Nyissans say nothing, their eyes wide.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): He cradles the limp pale body of his poisoned mother as her life fades away.
[RP]: (Morneson): Without another word, she walks to Czrel's side, and stands there, silently.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel's tears are like pearls, dark and shiny. They fall upon the lifeless face of the Mother, his mother.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Like in that illusion, he has to watch her die. Now he has to watch her die again.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The pain, the anguish.. And she has never heard him call her 'Mother'.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): A shiny silver chain sparkles upon Czrel's mother's neck.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): The Drasnian controls his grief and slowly lay down the body.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): His fingers reach for the flat, engraved pendant.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): There is a single word on the small silver plate and it read 'Sylvinirr'.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Behind the pendant, there are more words that read 'Til death do us part'.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Wiping his eyes with his dirtied glove, he gently removes the pendant and keeps it in his pocket.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): Czrel gets up from the dais and turns to his Sendarian mentor.
[RP]: (Merchant Czrel): 'Now I know who I really am. Sylvinirr, Czrel Sylvinirr.'

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