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1>Another busy day in the market square of Dunholn.
2>All of the usual merchants have set up their carts and stands.
3>The sounds of barter and trade are overwhelming as every available inch around every merchant is occupied with potential customers.
4>There is the occasional thief, but not frequent enough to cause a concern.
5>From every point in the square, people find themselves shouting in order to be heard.
6>This leads to others needing to shout even louder to make themselves understood.
7>Thus a brutal cycle is established wherein no one person is clearly heard, no matter how loud they are.
8>Except for one far corner of the market square.
9>In one corner of the square a large crowd has gathered.
10>The members of this congregation are quiet, releasing only the occasional laugh or yell.
11>Their attention isn't on the market, the merchants, or the goings on of the daily trades.
12>They are held rapt by the small show this is being put on in the corner.
13>It's a scene that only occurs once every season, so naturally it's cause for some commotion.
14>Always draws an interested crowd from across the town.
15>A small puppet show.
16>A small theatre built into a wooden box on wheels.
17>Pulled by a centaur who plays various pipes and flutes to provide music for the stories, his rump hidden beneath the theatre.
18>The actual show is performed by an unknown character.
19>Some suppose the puppets are actually suits worn by a small team of fairies.
20>Others posit that the centaur is actually a capable wizard, casting a series of illusions as he plays his pipes.
21>The most popular theory is that a clever gnome puts on the show, all while standing on the centaur's back.
22>No one really knows the answer and the centaur was never one to give up his secrets.
23>The people don't really care though; so long as the stories are entertaining and well performed, they don't mind a little mystery.
24“For score and seven days he fought and waged the bloody battle.
25His steel did dull, the blood did smoke, his sword did start to rattle.”
26In time he'd come to wade and slog to stand before the throne,
27Where sat the lord with ember eyes and his crown of bone.”
28>Today the show is 'The Sixth Trial of Geraan'; an ancient orc warrior who fell in love with Fowellan (a nature goddess) and undertook nine personally-imposed trials in a misguided effort to win her hand through violence and destruction (perfectly in line with traditional orcish notions of romance).  
29>Ultimately Fowellan would accept Geraan's hand in marriage after realizing that being how each of his trials was progressively becoming more bloody and ruinous, it was better to marry him and bring an end to his path of cataclysm rather than allow him to continue and eventually bring total annihilation to the planes
30>In this story Geraan travels across the nine layers of Baator in search of a Pit Fiend, intending to collect its spine and fashion it into a necklace that he can give to Fowellan as a gift.
31“The devil shrieked, the beast he screamed, oh how the fiend did cry.
32So loud and long the lord did howl until his throat was dry.
33As Geraan did aim his blade, the devil's hope did crack,
34As the tip of the mighty sword was placed upon his back.”
35>The crowd dares not look away as the intricate puppet of a bloody orcish warrior climbs up and plunges its wooden sword into the back of a monstrous puppet three times its size.
36>The men in the audience snicker and grin at the ridiculousness of the scene.
37>The women wonder if such a story is appropriate for the children present, but dare not drag their little ones away because they too have become interested in the tale being told.
38>The children bite at their fingers and tug at their shirts, barely holding back the excited anticipation of what's to happen next.
39>And amongst the crowd stands an odd figure, near the front, arms crossed, a wry smile across her lips.
40>An aged elf, garbed in a blue dress.
41>She smiles not because she's enjoying the story.
42>She's read this tale many times before.
43>She smiles because of the slight changes and flourishes the storyteller has added to the tale.
44>A tale she gave to the teller.
45>The elf mutters to herself.
46“Couldn't help but go and ruin another story, eh?  I guess I'll have to find it in myself to forgive you this time.  Maybe I can find you a story so good that you wouldn't dare mess it up.”
47>Everyone in the crowd knows of the elf.
48>They know she had lived in Dunholn longer than any of them could remember.
49>They know she's only been coming to see the centaur and his puppet shows for the past three seasons.
50>But they don't dare delve any deeper into the topic.
51>Considering how friendly she seems to be with the centaur.
52>Especially considering the rumours surrounding her of certain actions she committed that brought about the failure of several businesses in the town.
53“With grace and pride he took a knee and to his love did show
54The mighty collar of devil bones that shone with polished glow.”
55>The elf shakes her head and gives chuckle.
56>She knows Fowellan, as a goddess, would be repulsed by such an offering.
57>However.
58>Wouldn't any woman feel at least slightly complimented to receive such a gift?
59>And what are the gods but beings free to indulge in their deepest desires?
60>The elf turns her eyes back to the scene of the dripping-red orc bowing down to the beautiful elf garbed in a green gown.
61>For a moment she thinks of her brother.
62>She remembers her brother's infatuation with a beautiful maiden.
63>She recalls just what her brother had done for his love.
64>The smile fades from her lips.
65>She whispers to herself.
66“Never again.”
67>The puppet of Fowellan shakes its head and turns its back on the orc.
68>Geraan's puppet slouches, and drops the bone necklace, only the straighten up with the thought of the next act of brutality he will perform to prove his worthiness to his love.
69>The elf lowers her eyes to the stones beneath her feet.
70“Never again.”
71...
72>The show ends with thunderous applause.
73>Gifts of coins and food are heaped at the feet of the centaur as reward for a tale well told.
74>Children crowd around the centaur, asking questions and inviting him to join in their games.
75>Others gather around the theatre on the centaur's back, tapping at the doors, pleading for the little gnome to come out and play.
76>Eventually the sun begins to drop below the roofs of the town and the centaur sends the children away with a smile and a joke of goblins roaming the streets at night, looking to steal away any happy children from the loving mothers and fathers.
77>Soon, only the centaur with his theatre and the lone elf stand in the corner of the market square.
78>The centaur bends over and begins collecting the food that rests at his feet into a small sack.
79>A voice comes from the puppet theatre.
80“Is she there?”
81“She is there.”
82“She's always there.”
83“She'll always be there.”
84“I guess we can expect that now.”
85“It's to be expected.”
86“I'm still not sure about her.”
87“She's an odd one.”
88>The elf approaches, a slight skip in her step betraying her true age.
89>She looks to the centaur.
90“Hello Writ.”
91>She knocks on the wooden doors of the puppet theatre's stage.
92“Hello Wrot.”
93“Good evening Leiwf'wa”
94“Nice to see you, Leiwf'wa.”
95“You've figured out our names?”
96“You've learned the difference between us?”
97“Not an easy feat.”
98“A difficult task.”
99>The elf grins and clasps her hand behind her back.
100>If not for the wrinkles on her skin and the silver of her hair, anyone would swear she was no older than 60.
101“I figured that it was only the proper thing to do.  You're such a popular figure in this town, it's only fitting that someone knows your names correctly.”
102“Quite the compliment.”
103“How polite.”
104“Thank you for your effort.”
105“We're  grateful for your concern.”
106>If not for the little makeup she had applied earlier, a slight blush would have been seen on Leiwf'wa's cheeks.
107“I see you've made good use of that book I've lent you.”
108“We have.”
109“Quite so.”
110“An excellent read.”
111“A captivating tome.”
112“So many stories.”
113“And in such a variety.”
114“Many we can use.”
115“Some we can adapt.”
116“A great asset for us.”
117“A helpful tool.”
118“Despite that, I see the stories weren't good enough to escape your artistic flair.”
119“Just a touch here and there.”
120“An occasional flourish.”
121“Required for adaptation.”
122“To transition from page to stage.”
123“But that is always the way.”
124“An unavoidable sacrifice.”
125“Somethings must always be left behind.”
126“Lost in the translation.”
127“But we certainly did our best to be true to the spirit of the tale.”
128“We maintained the message to the best of our ability.”
129“I think our audience would agree.”
130“I think you would agree as-well, being in our audience.”
131>Leiwf'wa's smile seems to broaden just a little bit further.
132>She knows that there are rumours going around the town about her, the “centaur”, and the “gnome”.
133>Nothing people would dare say to her face.
134>Fortunately her ears are still good enough to catch the odd strands of whispered gossip from nearby tables in the taverns she frequents.
135>She doesn't mind the rumours.
136>If anything, it's nice to have a little levity added to her already sordid reputation.
137“Would you like to join me in my library?  I have recently received a tea made from the leaves of a northern berry bush.  I've been looking to share it with someone.  I've also recently uncovered a tome of classic rhymes from one of the Halfling cultures of the Pultdern foothills.  I think you would find it quite interesting.  I know you might believe that Halflings write nothing except beer hall chants, long ballads about feasts, and odes to their favourite places to eat breakfast, but this book actually has several interesting epics about battles.  There's also some wonderful soliloquies reflecting on nature, the purpose of life and the planes, and descriptions of-
138“It sounds grand, Leiwf'wa.”
139“A real treat.
140“And we thank you for the invitation.”
141“A tempting offer.”
142“But we must be going.”
143“The road awaits us.”
144“We would hate to impose.”
145“We couldn't stand to abuse your hospitality.”
146“But we have keep a schedule.”
147“The next town waits for our arrival.”
148“Our audience awaits.”
149“An eager crowd is there.”
150“We would hate to leave them wanting.”
151“We couldn't bear to disappoint them.”
152“But we shall see you again.”
153“The next season isn't too far off.”
154“And the winter is coming.”
155“The cold and snow are just around the corner.”
156“We will be travelling at a slower pace by that time.”
157“The frost does tend to make for harder travel.”
158“A hot cup of tea would be more than welcome.”
159“We would certainly more open to an offer to warm our bones.”
160“Again we thank you.”
161“We thank you again.”
162>Leiwf'wa gives the ground a light kick.
163>She doesn't need to have the wisdom of ages to see what is being said.
164>Her smile recedes slightly.
165>Only slightly.
166>She looks between the centaur and the theatre.
167“Fine then.  I would hate to delay you any more than I already have, but I'm going to hold you to your word!  The next time I see you, when you're cold and shivering in the snow, I'm going to offer you a hot drink and a blanket in my library and you will accept.”
168“Nothing would be finer.”
169“I would hate to refuse.”
170“Now we must go.”
171“We must be off.”
172“Good bye Leiwf'wa.”
173“Until our next meeting.”
174“Farewell Writ-Wrot.  I'll expect for you to return my book the next time we meet.”
175>The centaur gently lifts the sack of food over his shoulder, gives his side a firm pat, and starts to make his way to the gates of the market square.
176>Leiwf'wa stays where she stands and watches the puppet theatre as it weaves through the thinning crowd of shoppers and merchants.
177“I should have offered to walk them to the town gates.  I should have done just that.  We could have had such a lovely conversation.  I guess we would have caught some attention though.  People already think such strange things about us.  'The elf who can speak to the gnome in the puppet theatre', what rubbish.  I'd hate to think that my being around is causing causing them trouble.  Of course it isn't, but I'd still hate to think that I am.  They certainly wanted to get away from me.  I guess they haven't forgiven me yet (not that I've done anything wrong, of course). Why is it so hard to make amends these days?  Can't say I blame them-”
178“Excuse me?  M'am?”
179>Leiwf'wa quickly turns to the voice beside her.
180>A child stands one step away, looking up to the old elf.
181“Why are you talking to yourself?”
182“What?”
183“You're talking to yourself.”
184“I'm not.”
185“There's no one else here and you were talking.”
186“I might have been, but I wasn't talking to myself.”
187“It sure looked like you were.”
188“I wasn't.  I was merely thinking aloud.  There's a difference.”
189“And what's that?”
190“I'm old enough.”
191“How old are you?”
192“How rude!  Leave me be before I decide to find your parents and instruct them on how to properly whip you.”
193>Leiwf'wa turns her back to the child and begins to march towards the market gates.
194“Wait!  I have a message for you!”
195>She stops and turns to face the child.
196“A message?”
197“Yeah, some holy guy in white robes says him and a friend will be waiting for you at your library.”
198>Leiwf'wa's smile returns.
199“Do you happen to remember this man's name?”
200“I think so.  It was 'Ivan' or 'Aevon' or 'Aver' or something like that.”
201“Close enough.  Thank you!|
202>Leiwf'wa turns and quickly resumes her journey to the market gates.
203>If Brother Ivor was waiting for her, then his “friend” could only be one person.
204>Writ-Wrot may not have been willing to spend time with her, but there was at least one Pushmi-Pullyu in the world who was willing to share her table.
205...
206>Be Brother Ivor Jaquline Demorian.
207>Third of the Fifth Order of the Sanctuary of His Guiding Light.
208>Cleric of Solom.
209>Most folks just call me 'Ivor'.
210>Probably better that way.
211>It's only my second time in Dunholn and people still recognize me.
212>Well, it's not so much that they remember me.
213>It's my travelling companion that draws their attention.
214“Ivor, how long do you plan to wait?”
215“Not that we wouldn't mind seeing Leiwf'wa again.”
216“She's a good person.”
217“A lovely soul.”
218“But I'm a little tired of standing here.”
219“I think we're drawing a little too much attention.”
220“Mommy!  Look!  Pushmi-Pullyu!  Pushmi-Pullyu!”
221“Hush dear, it isn't nice to point!”
222“She's back!  The Pushmi-Pullyu is back!”
223“That's great, but you shouldn't yell like that.”
224“Hi Pushmi-Pullyu!”
225>A mother pulls her daughter along by one hand, smiling at us apologetically.
226>Torae-Tori grin at the little girl and give a small wave.
227>That has got to be the fifth child in the past hour to become excited just by looking at Torae-Tori.
228>It's been like this since we passed through the front gates.
229>For a good while we had a small army of children following us.
230>Torae-Tori were more than happy to oblige the children with their questions and little games.
231>Now they just look tired of being a novelty.
232>Adults seem to know to take their glances but not draw attention.
233>Children need to let the world know that they've found something wonderful.
234>The Lord of Light's blessing be upon them.
235“I don't think we'll be staying much longer.  We'll give her a few more minutes; if she doesn't show up then we'll leave her a note and go back to the inn.”
236“Can't we go to a tavern?”
237“We passed one on the way here.”
238“Looked like a lively place.”
239“A good place for a drink.”
240“Maybe they serve food?”
241“A hot meal?  Sounds wonderful.”
242“I could do for a stiff drink.”
243“And not just wine.”
244“We've had too much wine.”
245“Far too much wine.”
246“Of course, wine travels the best.”
247“A shame that ale we bought didn't travel very well.”
248“Maybe it's just the ale that we were sold?”
249“Still, it was enough to put me off travelling with ale again.”
250“Maybe we should try brandy?”
251“Brandy?”
252“Brandy.”
253“Might be worth a shot.”
254“I think they sold it at the market here.”
255“Perhaps we should give it a try?”
256“Perhaps.  Just one thing, what is brandy?”
257“Can't say I know.  How did you hear about it?”
258“Overhear a fellow in a pub mention it.”
259>They both look at me.
260>Can't help but smile and shake my head.
261“Brandy is kind of like whisky; it's a distilled alcohol that has a rather deep and rich flavour.  Many monasteries produce it for special occasions and to give as gifts to high ranking members of the religious orders.”
262“Sounds interesting.”
263“Wouldn't mind giving it a try.”
264“If it's made by monks it can't be all that bad.”
265“The gods wouldn't allow their holy grounds to be used to produce bad liquor.”
266“You usually hear of Monks producing wine.”
267“Must help fight the boredom that comes between their prayers.”
268“No offence, Ivor.”
269“Not to offend.”
270>I smirk and give my shoulders a shrug.
271>This often happens 
272>To be expected of a creature that can't help but think out loud.
273>And they're always thinking out loud
274>I'm used to this by now.
275>Lord of Light forgive me, I might be too used to this by now.
276“If the monks make wine, then that means they must cultivate grapes.”
277“That is correct, I've heard such a thing.”
278“If that's the case, then what do they use to make the brandy?”
279“Another good question.”
280>The two of them look at me again.
281>At least I'm providing them a distraction from the people gawking at them.
282“Brandy is made from wine; they produce the wine and then distill it into brandy.”
283>Torae-Tori scowl; their mouths turning into grimaces of disgusts.
284“I think we should pass on the brandy.”
285“I believe we should.”
286“Maybe later?”
287“We'll try it later.”
288“For now, we need ale.”
289“Something we can trust.”
290>I stifle a laugh, not wanting to hurt their feelings.
291>We've travelled many season together.
292>Every day that we've spent together has brought me more humour and joy than I imagined possible.
293>Then again, I did spent a healthy portion of my life living in a cloister.
294>I might not be the best judge of character.
295>I cast my eyes down the street once again.
296>Someone's coming.
297>I give Tori a tap on the shoulder and point towards the approaching figure.
298>Long silver hair.
299>Thin build.
300>Long, blue dress.
301“What do you make of that?”
302“Almost looks like Leiwf'wa.”
303“Could be her.”
304“I thought so too, but that dress?  Doesn't seem like the kind of thing an ancient elven librarian would go around wearing.”
305“True enough.”
306“Sounds reasonable.”
307“You talk as though you know something on the matter of ancient elven librarians.”
308“How many ancient elven librarians have you known?”
309>Torae gives me a mischievous look while Tori continues to stare down the street.
310>Lord of Light cleanse me.
311“You've caught me there.”
312>The figure in blue catches sight of us and quickens their pace.
313>She's waving one arm above her head.
314>Must be her.
315>She moves a bit fast for someone of her age.
316>Tori waves back.
317>It's hardly a moment before we're standing face to face with the elf older than my order.
318>I still have trouble coming to terms with that fact.
319“Torae-Tori, lovely to see you again!”
320“A pleasure Leiwf'wa.”
321“Good to see you so well.”
322>The elf is practically bouncing.
323>I get the feeling that a fair bit has changed since our last meeting.
324“Brother Ivor, you haven't changed in the slightest.”
325“And looking at you, Leiwf'wa, I would be wrong in saying the same.”
326“The Lord of Light is just.”
327“The Lord of Light is fair.”
328>Leiwf'wa smiles.
329>A lot has probably changed.
330“I'm sorry but we couldn't help but admire your dress.
331“It's very lovely.”
332“Quite well made.”
333“It suits you.”
334“Perfect on you.”
335“This little thing?  I've been keeping this in storage since before I moved here.  You won't find a single tailor capable of making such a thing here!  Not one!  This was hand stitched by a classically trained craftswoman from the north!  An amazing woman!  The bodice alone took eight days to construct.  Twelve hours a day!  I had heard that they used the droppings of a certain species of duck to achieve the blue colour, but as it turns out that was only a rumour.  In actuality they were using the bark of trees boiled in the blood of a creature they referred to as a 'duck'.  In fact the creature wasn't even a bird of any sort but a strangely formed psudodragon that was particular to that region.”
336>Amazing the difference that a couple of seasons bring.
337>But also how everything stays the same.
338“Excuse us, Leiwf'wa”
339“We'd hate to interrupt.”
340“But there is a pressing matter we must attend to.”
341“A matter of grave importance and heavy concern.”
342“Leiwf'wa, you've kept us waiting.”
343“Isn't fair to keep your friends at your door for so long.”
344“Considering ones as impatient as us.”
345“Especially ones as impatient as us.”
346“We were about to abandon you with nothing more than a note.”
347“Not our idea.”
348“You can blame Ivor for that one.”
349“His plan.”
350“Not ours.”
351“He can be so inconsiderate.”
352>Torae-Tori and Leiwf'wa gaze at me and grin.
353>May the Lord of Light guide me to sanctuary.
354>I know they're having fun.
355>I just wish they didn't derive so much enjoyment from tormenting me.
356>Leiwf'wa pushes past me and begins unlatching the door to her library.
357“If that's the case, then I can only think of one suitable punishment.  You all must join me for a drink and a bit of a chat.”
358“Sounds like a good plan.”
359“A proper and just ruling.”
360“I guess I'm in no position to raise objection.”
361>The door to the library swings open.
362>Standing on the outside, there's nothing to see but empty darkness.
363>Just as I remember.
364>Leiwf'wa turns to face us.
365“Before we go in, I have to apologize for the state of the place; I've been trying to clean up, but the years of letting everything stack up seems to have created a situation that has gotten away from me.  You must forgive me.  As penance, I know just what I'll do!  I have a bottle of wine that I've been saving for years now.  A wonderful vintage from my homelands.  A truly excellent bottle.  Be a shame not to share it with friends!”
366>Leiwf'wa turns again and steps into the darkness of her library.
367>Torae-Tori share a pained expression.
368>Again, I must stifle a laugh.
369>I only hope they didn't notice.
370...
371>The road just outside the North gates to Dunholn.
372>Guard isn't paying the most attention to the comings and goings.
373>It's hard for him to pay attention to anything when all he can think of is the strange two-headed, backwards centaur that passed by an hour ago.
374>He heard stories of such a creature passing through the town a year ago, but actually seeing is a shock.
375>The regular centaur (the storyteller with his gnome) is usually enough of an oddity.
376>But a two headed horse/deer/goat...thing...with two heads on opposing sides of it's body?
377>He would have thought himself mad if he wasn't the only person to see the thing.
378>The fact that it was accompanied by a cleric of Solom only made the entire occurrence seem a touch more grounded.
379>Which, in a way, makes the whole situation seem even weirder when he thinks of how such a thing could actually exist in the world.
380>The guard isn't used to contemplating existentialism.
381>He's so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't exactly notice another creature approaching him.
382“Excuse me?”
383“Hello there!”
384“Is there a toll for entry into this town?”
385“We've been on the road for a good while.”
386“We would hate to break the law right now.”
387“Before we've had the chance to enter the first proper town we've come across in near a fortnight.”
388>Guard turns his head.
389>Gods damn it.
390>Guard can only stare.
391>Another one of those two headed creatures.
392>Only this one seems to be a bit more muscular than the other one.
393>And male.
394>And bearded.
395>And louder.
396>With more axes.
397“Pardon us?”
398“What's the problem?”
399“I don't like his staring.”
400“Go easy on him.  Maybe he's one of those idiots?”
401“The drooling kind?”
402“One too many kicks to the head.”
403“At least this one wasn't our fault.”
404“You say that like it's a bad thing.”
405“Sir!”
406>The guard snaps to his senses as he realizes that the thing is talking to him.
407“Must we pay to enter this town?”
408“Maybe try speaking a little slower?”
409“Uh, no.  No there's no toll.  No toll.  Unless you're a merchant.  There's a toll for merchants.  You a merchant?”
410“It speaks!”
411“It answers!”
412“Little slow to catch up.”
413“A touch lax in his duties.”
414“Must be a boring job.”
415“Definitely an easy one.”
416“Probably a good reason why it's his.”
417“Now who's being cruel?”
418>Guard doesn't even realize he might be offended.
419“Sir, we're in need of food.”
420“We're in desperate need of drink.”
421“Where's the closest tavern?”
422“The 'closest' not the 'best'.”
423>The guard points a shaking finger towards the gates of the town.
424“Pass through the gates, take a left, and walk straight for near four hundred paces.”
425“Four hundred paces?”
426“How does that translate to us?”
427“Do you think he's the one to ask?”
428“I guess we'll just have to keep our eyes open.”
429“Thank you very much sir!”
430“You've been of great assistance.”
431“We'll be sure to raise a mug to you.”
432“Don't go working too hard now!”
433>The two heads of the creature laugh deeply and loudly, without any concern for who might notice.
434>The creature trots its way through the gates of Dunholn.
435>The guard wonders when his shift is going to end.
436>His wife is going to have a hard time believing this.
437“Mommy, look!  Pushmi-Pullyu!  Another one!  Another one!”
438...
439>Be bandit.
440>Be hidden in the bushes by the side of the road.
441>Only one other guy works with me, he's on the other side in some more bushes.
442>Less people to split the earnings with.
443>Neither of us are very good at math.
444>Used to be another group that used to work this road.
445>Word has it that they were slaughtered by some party consisting of only two warriors armed with a bow and a sword.
446>Their bounty wasn't all that big.
447>No great loss.
448>We're not much better.
449>Can't take on anything bigger than lone merchants, farmers, and the odd hunter.
450>We aren't going to get rich this way.
451>At least we're surviving.
452>Managed to snag a few coins and some fresh clothes from some farmer on his way back home from the market.
453>Clothes are something we can sell.
454>The coins means we'll be drinking tonight.
455>Hear something.
456>Hoof beats.
457>Voices.
458>I give a low whistle.
459>I'm a very good whistler.
460>Our sign that we probably shouldn't take this guy.
461>Two adult male voices, a horse, and a two-wheeled cart.
462>Too much for us to handle.
463“We're going to have to speak with her eventually.”
464“Going to her library is inevitable.”
465“She really isn't all that bad.”
466“She seems like a good sort.”
467“She gave us that book.”
468“She 'lent' us that book.”
469“Ah, sorry.  My mistake.”
470“Accidents happen, no harm done.”
471“But it is a good book.”
472“A very lovely read.”
473“Intriguing stories.”
474“Rife with inspiration.”
475“She wants us to give it back.”
476“Return it the next time we meet.”
477“She has us trapped.”
478“We did make a promise.”
479“Not quite a promise.”
480“We did imply we would.”
481“Imply, not promise.”
482“But imply nonetheless.”
483“Maybe we should take a longer trail.”
484“Make a detour?”
485“Why don't we cut Dunholn from our circuit?”
486“Remove an audience from our roster?”
487“Maybe.”
488“I forbid it!”
489>Performers?
490>Probably not the best armed.
491>But considering that I've only got a rusted sword and my partner is using an old table leg, we probably aren't in a better position.
492>More sound.
493>Foot steps.
494>A lot of them.
495>Sneak my head out of the bush just slightly.
496>Look down road.
497>Men in robes.
498>A lot of men in robes.
499>Don't know how many.
500>More than five.
501>I'm really not good at math.
502>Pull my head back into the bush.
503>This really isn't the right time to attempt a robbery.
504>Horse stops.
505“Good day good sirs!”
506>The guys on the horse don't respond.
507“We are servants of our lord, Sir Tannel Soval Demorian.  Our lord has received word of a talented duo of a centaur and a gnome who wander between towns and cities, playing music and telling stories in exchange for coin and food.”
508>There's a bit of a silence before one of the guys on the horse responds.
509“Then, my good men, I do believe that we might just be the ones your lord has heard of.”
510“Excellent!  Then it is with great pleasure that I extend an invitation from Sir Demorian for you to join him at his home.”
511“We are honoured to be invited, but we must decline.  We do not provide private performances; our talents are strictly meant for the enjoyment of the public.”
512“You misunderstand, this invitation is not a request for a performance!  Our lord wishes to speak with you on a matter of great interest to him.”
513“And what matter might this be?”
514“Sir Dumorian is a scholar of myths and folklore.  He has spent the better part of the last decade attempting to compile an edited collection of tales focusing around the supposed history of a particular magical creature.”
515“He sounds like a very interesting person!  I should greatly like to read his book as soon as it is published!  If it is good I might even purchase a copy for my partner.”
516“I'm sure my lord will be greatly complimented by your words.”
517“I don't believe myself to be an expert of any sort, especially in regards to magical beasts.  However, I can't help but be interested in your lord's work.  Might I ask what particular creature his book is about?”
518“The Pushmi-Pullyu.”
519>The guys on the horse are silent.
520>What in the hells is a Pushmi-Pullyu?”
521“You don't say.”
522“If I'm correct, I believe that the two of you have a vested interest in the stories surrounding the creature.”
523“We know some stories and a few lines of rhyme.”
524“Still, it is possible that what you know might be of great significance to my lord.  Will you join us?  Sir Demorian's home is a mere two hours walk from here.”
525“Then let us be off!  I will accept your master's invitation.”
526“Excellent!”
527>All of them start going down the road.
528>Crawl out of bush.
529>Walk across the road to where my partner is hidden.
530“You catch all that?”
531“Yeah.  I did not like the look of those guys in the robes.”
532“Yeah.  If they're living this close to the town, I think we better find a new road to start working.”
533“With you on that.  Wanna go home?”
534“Yeah, let's go.  We earned a little something today.”
535“Tavern?”
536“Tavern.”
537>Wait for him to get out of his bush.
538>Start on the road back towards Dunholn.
539...
540“I'm so sorry.”
541“There's no need to apologize.”
542“Nothing to be sorry for at all.”
543“We didn't tell you.”
544“It wasn't anything major.”
545“No.  Here I am, prattling on about all kinds of nonsense, force feeding you biscuits, tea, and wine, and being a terrible host.”
546“It actually was a very nice wine.  We'll have to bring you a bottle as a show of thanks.”
547“That's lovely of you, Ivor, but we have more pressing concerns right now.  Look how dark it's become.  Look!  Come now, don't go dragging your feet.  What am I even saying?  Ivor and myself are the only ones with feet here.  Still, we should hurry.  The tavern will be filling up right now.  If we're lucky we can still claim my favourite table and they'll still have some hot food in the kitchen.”
548“Well we certainly won't argue against that idea.”
549“Lead the way Leiwf'wa, we shall follow closely!”
550“It's very close.  It doesn't have the greatest stock of wine, but I'm told the ale is pretty fair.  The keeper has snagged himself a lovely woman who knows her way around a kitchen.  She isn't the greatest chef, but she's still one of better cooks you'll find in most the other taverns in this town.  Here's hoping they have a few bowls of stew left.  Don't you dare reach for those purse strings Ivor, this evening is being financed by yours truly.”
551>The town is well darkened now.
552>Things certainly seem to have changed.
553>Having just spent a few hours sitting in the dark of Leiwf'wa's library, there isn't much of a difference.
554>There was nothing I could do to stop her from talking.
555>I'm quickly coming to accept the fact that she's very knowledgeable, but isn't overly concerned with dispensing said knowledge in a timely fashion.
556>Especially when she becomes excited.
557>Even more so around Torae-Tori.
558>I can only imagine what she's like around Writ-Wrot.
559>May the great mercy of the Lord of Light be granted to the unfortunate.
560>It appears as though Leiwf'wa had managed to make a few changes to her library since we were last here.
561>It's a touch more organized.
562>Considering how many books she owns, a touch is a massive improvement.
563>The floor is clear enough for her to walk within two feet of the back wall.
564>She discovered an old chest of clothes (which explains her current dress).
565>She uncovered a set of stairs which lead to the second floor of her building.
566>A second floor containing even more books.
567>She told us that she hopes to one day uncover the doorway to her bedroom.
568>I get the feeling she's been sleeping in a sitting position for so long that she no longer knows how to use a bed.
569>What seems to have really caught her attention are all of the books she's discovering for a second time.
570>She's planning to send us off with a bag of them.
571>Just one bag.
572>On loan.
573>I can't tell if this is her attempt to share her books and fulfill her purpose as a librarian, or her constructing a reason for Torae-Tori to come back to see her again.
574“Ivor, hurry!”
575“Leiwf'wa is getting ahead of us!”
576“We're too hungry to wait for you.”
577“Do you need us to carry you?”
578“Don't get any bright ideas, the answer is 'no'.”
579“I thought Solom looked down on idleness?”
580“If he doesn't, he certainly would look down on his followers dying of starvation.”
581“Or his follower's companions dying from the follower's neglect.”
582>Forgive them, Lord of Light.
583>Leiwf'wa is fifteen paces ahead.
584>She stops and turns to face the door to (what I suppose is) the tavern she's been telling us about.
585>She just stares at the door.
586>The lights are shining bright in the windows.
587>The sounds of raucous laughter, singing, clapping, and the stamping of feet are bursting through the cracks in the door.
588>I can feel the cobblestones vibrating.
589>Leiwf'wa doesn't look happy.
590“Is this the place?”
591“Looks busy.”
592“Looks like fun!”
593“Are they singing?”
594>Leiwf'wa scowls.
595>The old elf steps towards the door.
596“My seat better be free.”
597>She gives the door a good push.
598>The door quickly swings open.
599>The noise becomes overwhelming.
600>One voice seems to be ringing out above the rest.
601“The fool he walked cross hill and plain
602from the eastlands he had come.
603Telling all who passed him by
604he was off to catch the sun.”
605>Leiwf'wa steps in.
606>She immediately steps out.
607>She's smiling.
608>Don't think that's a strong enough word for her expression.
609>It's like she's experiencing every single harvest festival of her entire life within eight seconds.
610>Considering her age, that's more than I'd care to imagine.
611“Leiwf'wa, is something wrong?” 
612>She doesn't respond.
613>She runs up to Torae-Tori.
614>Grabs Tori by both hands and drags her towards the door.
615>I follow, not wanting to be left out.
616>Step inside the tavern.
617“In one hand he held a bucket
618in other other his trusty net.
619With one he would make the capture
620with the other he would threat.”
621>The place isn't full, but it certainly is busy.
622>Most of the people have gathered around the bar.
623>Two people are standing on the bar.
624>Rather burly looking fellows.
625>One's drinking from a rather large tankerd
626>The other is clapping his hands and singing.
627>They're standing with their backs facing one-another.
628>Of course, that's the only way they could stand.
629>They share the lower body of what appears to be a rather stout deer or a goat.
630>It's a Pushmi-Pullyu.
631“He said the sun is made of fire,
632a blaze that burns forever.
633I'll make that fire fear me
634with water from the river.”
635>I look to my companions.
636>Leiwf'wa is hopping up and down, clapping her hands in time with the singer.
637>Torae-Tori are staring up at the strange Pushmi-Pullyu, their lips moving silently.
638“The fool, he chased his firey prey
639Running Eastward in the dawn.”
640>Torae-Tori both take a deep breath and sing out.
641“I don't know where he's headed next
642But I'm glad to see him gone!”
643>The singer stops and looks across the crowd to Torae-Tori.
644>Everyone in the tavern turns to face us.
645>Leiwf'wa is giggling.
646>The one drinking lowers the massive tankerd, lets out a loud burp, and looks to his partner.
647“Why'd you stop singing?  What'd I miss?”
648>I can't help but feel that the Lord of Light might be having a hearty chuckle right now.
649...
650>The manor of Sir Demorian was certainly on the larger side.
651>Wide halls.
652>Tall ceilings.
653>And a very active cleaning staff.
654>At least that was what passed through Writ-Wrot's minds as they were told that they were allowed to enter without needing to unhitch their cart.
655“Our lord has requested that we not bother you about the theatre.  He tells us that it might be a necessary tool in your storytelling method.”
656>An odd excuse.
657>But Writ-Wrot felt comfort in being able to keep their puppet theatre close by, so neither were about to raise complaint.
658>Despite the darkness outside, the manor is very well lit.
659>Magical lanterns hung from hooks line the walls of the corridors, casting bright, white light into the carpeted halls.
660“Your lord must be quite the fellow; being able to afford all of this magic and so many loyal servants.”
661“Sir Demorian is a man of many means.  He does posses a limited magical knowledge, the majority of his fortune was inherited through his family line, and he was never much a man of business or finance.  He was always in the pursuit of education and the expansion of his intellect.  A rather noble endeavour for someone who already owns practically everything he could possibly desire, wouldn't you agree?”
662“I must.  If it is as you say, surely I must.”
663>Writ can't help but be a little impressed with what he sees.
664>Wrot can't help but wonder why they never heard of 'Sir Demorian' even once during their travels.
665>They're brought to a rather ornate set of double doors.
666“The doors to Sir Demorian's study.  We ask that you try to be as quiet as possible upon entry; we do not know how deeply engaged our lord currently is with his studies, so we mustn't do anything that would disturb him unnecessarily.”
667>Two of the robed men approach the doors and slowly push them open.
668>Almost silently.
669“Sir Demorian has requested that you be allowed to enter his study alone.  He should be with you shortly.”
670>Writ looks through the doors
671>Though dimly lit, he can see that the room is fairly spacious.
672>More than enough space to pull in the theatre and comfortably turn around.
673>He steps through the door.
674>Immediately lanterns suspended from the ceiling begin glow, lighting the room properly.
675>As soon as the back of the theatre is inside the study, the doors slowly close behind.
676>Almost silently.
677>With the new light, Writ casts his gaze around the room.
678>Despite the actual size of the room, it is rather modestly furnished.
679>Only a few books on the shelves.
680>No large pieces of padded furniture.
681>A few chairs shoved beneath a desk.
682>A long bench in a corner.
683>A few small piles of books around on the floor.
684>A pyramid of crumbling scrolls on the desk.
685>In the middle of the desk is book, a little larger than the palm of Writ's hand.
686>Writ can see that the book is open to a couple of blank pages.
687>Beside the book is an open vial of ink and few dirty feather quills.
688>Wrot whispers from the theatre.
689“Any cause for concern?”
690“I don't see any cause.”
691“I suspect they already know.”
692“They're probably aware I presume.”
693“Why let us bring our theatre?”
694“They don't want us to remove our disguise?”
695“Do they think us nervous?”
696“Aren't we nervous?”
697“We have reason to be nervous.”
698“They didn't give us a reason.”
699“They're a strange group.”
700“No stranger than most others.”
701“Certainly aren't bandits.”
702“They didn't come from the bushes.”
703“Weapons?”
704“Unarmed, as far as I could see.”
705“Magic users most likely.”
706“They did seem like the magical sort.”
707“And their lord.”
708“Sir Demorian.”
709“A new mystery.”
710“Never heard of him.”
711“A relation to the cleric?”
712“Of Ivor?”
713“They do share a name.”
714“Maybe a distant relation?”
715“We never seen this house before.”
716“We never been down this road before.”
717“We do tend to stick to more direct routes.”
718“They do tend to be the safer ones.”
719“Besides the bandits.”
720“There's always bandits.”
721“Speaks volumes of the current economic situation.”
722“Poor people from a poor nation, lead by poorer rulers.”
723“Escape routes?”
724“Only the way we came in.”
725“Heavy door?”
726“Heavy enough to need a few kicks.”
727“We have more than a few kicks in us.”
728“We were never all that good at kicking.”
729“Something we should practice.”
730“Hardly any time for practice.”
731“I do recall something strange.”
732“You believe something to be amiss?”
733“Remember when we were approached in the forest?”
734“They greeted us no more than a few hours ago.”
735“Remember how they greeted us?”
736“They gave a shout of 'Good day, sirs'.”
737“Exactly!”
738“Exactly what?”
739“They said 'sirs'.”
740“Excuse me.”
741>A new voice.
742>Writ slowly steps through a short turn to face the door.
743>A slight man stands before the doors.
744>They didn't even hear them open again.
745>The man is garbed in the clothes of a noble.
746>Deep blue, velvet shirt.
747>Black leggings.
748>A deep-red half-cloak slung over one shoulder.
749>A golden chain hung from his neck.
750>Dangling from the chain is an odd symbol.
751>Appears to be an upside-down flame enveloping a half-closed eye.
752>The man appears to be in his later years, at least 70.
753“I apologize if I startled you, its a bad habit of mine, I do enjoy a quiet atmosphere.  I must also apologize for the disarray of this place, we've just moved into this property recently and haven't had the chance to settle in.  Allow me to introduce myself, I am Sir Tannel Soval Demorian, travelling scholar, author, chronicler of folklore, and researcher of lost ages.”
754>Writ gives as much of a bow as he can.
755“I extend a greeting to you as well, good Sir Demorian.  I am honoured to have been sought out by such a person of high standing.”
756“Not as high as you may think.  Come now, raise your head and give an introduction.”
757>Writ straightens himself out and looks to the man.
758“I am Writ, a travelling bard of these lands.  Be it a song, a tale, or a rhyme, you will find a no better entertainer on four legs.”
759“Marvellous!  And what of your companion?”
760>Writ can't help be taken slightly aback.
761“My companion?”
762“I received word of you, the centaur that puts on puppet performances in the various towns of this country, but you do not perform alone.  I would ask for you to please introduce your partner and let him step out of his box so that I might see him a little better.”
763“I must apologize, Sir Demorian.  My partner is of a rather nervous and frightful disposition.  He prefers the company of his puppets and my rear end to that of others.”
764>Demorian chuckles then bites his lip.
765>A moment of silence passes.
766>Writ can't help but feel concerned.
767>Demorian begins to slowly stride around the puppet theatre.
768“You do recall why I sent for you to see me?  The Pushmi-Pullyu.  I heard that you tell tales of their creation.  I too have collected similar stories.  I would even go as far as to say that I might know a few that you've never even heard of.  I have a small library of etchings, paintings, and drawings that contain references to them, depicting them in many forms; two headed deer, goats, gazelles and camels; legs and body of cats, bears, wolves, lizards; swinging swords, casting spells, communing with the gods, stealing great treasures.  They are very intriguing creatures.  What always struck me odd about them, no matter their form or who told the story...”
769>Demorian stops by one of the wagon wheels and gives it a kick.
770“Is how their legs always faced the wrong direction.
771>Writ is on the verge of breaking out into a sweat.
772>Wrot can hear his own heart beating and fears that Demorian might hear it as well.
773>The old man runs his fingers along the wood grain of the theatre.
774“I'm not mad that you would lie to me, but I am disappointed that you felt the need to hide it from me, even considering that you knew what I called you for.”
775>Demorian steps away from the theatre, strides towards the desk, and turns to face Writ once again.”
776“Please, step out from that box.  It has to be insufferable in there.
777>Writ waits, staring at Demorian.
778>He feels a pat on his side.
779>Writ gives a knowing nod and proceeds to unbuckle the straps that attach him to the puppet theatre.
780>Wrot considers grabbing a few knives, but shakes the idea from his head and gives his hair a quick pat down.
781>Once unstrapped, Writ slowly steps away from the theatre.
782>Wrot steps through the curtain at his back and into the light of the study.
783>Demorian gazes at the Pushmi-Pullyu and grins.
784>Wrot looks at Demorian and can't help but feel put off by the man.
785>He's nothing like Leiwf'wa or Ivor.
786>There was no joy or excitement in his reaction.
787>It was like Demorian was simply glad that something happened as he expected.
788“Now, shall we take another shot at a proper introduction?”
789>Writ-Wrot straighten themselves out, lift their chins, and look towards the old man.
790“Writ.”
791“Wrot.”
792“Travelling Bards.”
793“Story tellers, musicians, and artisans.”
794“Of the highest sorts.”
795“Of the finest kind.”
796“And unlike any other kind.”
797“Or like none other.”
798“And for you, good sir.”
799“As you have requested.”
800“One of the fewest.”
801“A Pushmi-Pullyu.”
802>Demorian gives his hands a firm clap and approaches Writ-Wrot.
803“A pleasure.  A pleasure like you wouldn't imagine!  Now, I have a good few questions that I think you might be able to help me with.”
804...
805“So there's the owlbear.”
806“It's back and rump are full of arrows.”
807“Looking like the angriest hedgehog in all of creation.”
808“You nearly wasted all of our arrows on that thing.
809“I said I would pay for them.”
810“We're going to the market first thing in the morning.”
811“Fine.  So there's the owlbear.”
812“Covered entirely in blood.”
813“Entirely it's own.”
814“And maybe some from that pack of wolves that it slew earlier.”
815“Poor creatures.”
816“And it rears back and lets out this screeching roar.”
817“You wouldn't imagine that kind of a sound coming from an owl's head.”
818“Then again it was attached to a bear.”
819“It was real loud.”
820“So the owlbear is standing, head and shoulders over Ivor.”
821“You would swear that Ivor could have lived inside the beast quite comfortably.”
822“So Ivor looks up to the owlbear and waits for it's roar to end.”
823“He pulls out his holy symbol and holds out towards the beast.”
824“And this next part is totally true.”
825“Strike us down with forked lightning if we lie.”
826“He stares at the beast, symbol in hand.”
827“And shouts even louder than the owlbear.”
828“THE LORD OF LIGHT IS NOT SWAYED BY YOUR BLUSTER AND AIRS!”
829“And he blasts the beast with a ray of light!”
830“Right in the face!”
831“Right in the damned face.”
832“Of course, it was an easy target at that range.”
833“Point blank, must have been painful.”
834“So the owlbear starts snorting and goes to rub his eyes.”
835“Of course, it has those nasty claws that they're know for.”
836“And it starts ripping the flesh from its own face!”
837“It's eyes must have really stung because it didn't seem content to stop mutilating itself.”
838“Then, we have to consider that owlbears aren't exactly meant to stand on their hind legs for prolonged periods of time.”
839“A flaw in their design.”
840“Being partially bear and all.”
841“So it starts to lose it's balance.”
842“And falls flat on its back.”
843“Right onto all of those arrows I put into it!”
844“At this point the owlbear wasn't exactly doing well.”
845“That's a touch of an understatement.”
846“So we took the opportunity to stab it a few time.”
847“Didn't take much effort to end its life.”
848“When we were done, we turned to Ivor.”
849“He didn't join us in bringing an end to the beast.”
850“We were worried that he might have been struck while the owlbear was falling.”
851“We turn around and there's Ivor.”
852“Standing stock straight and still as a statue.”
853“Still holding out his symbol.”
854“Muttering a prayer under his breath.”
855“So we approach him and ask him what's wrong.”
856“And he says, 'the Lord of Light isn't swayed, his followers very much so.'”
857“It took him near an hour to start moving again!”
858>Everyone at the table laughs.
859>May the Lord of Light turn his eyes away from me.
860>I've never felt more embarrassed in my life.
861>Good thing Writ-Wrot isn't here; they'd see it as another chapter to add to my “legend”.
862>Leiwf'wa has been giddier than a drunken school girl.
863>She's been bouncing in her seat and switching her gaze between Torae-Tori and Barren-Bairn, like she can't decide between which one she wants to obsess over.
864>Torae-Tori has been trying to keep up with Barren-Bairn in drinks.
865>The Lord of Light shines brightest upon those who rise to a challenge, but I can only see this ending poorly.
866>Barren-Bairn is interesting.
867>He's very similar to every other dwarf I've had the chance to encounter.
868>Only friendlier.
869>Much friendlier.
870>Except towards Leiwf'wa.
871>I can't help but notice them stiffen up whenever she speaks.
872>They're trying to avoid looking at her.
873>I'm not about to ask anything while she's still around.
874>Barren-Bairn each take a long swig from their mugs.
875“Our friend Writ-Wrot told us about the mighty Torae-Tori.”
876“And their companion, the noble Brother Ivor.”
877“But they neglected to mention they were characters of great humour!”
878>One of them gives his mug a wave.
879>I'm pretty sure it Barren.
880“And generosity!”
881>A nice way of thanking us for paying for this round.
882>And telling us that they most likely don't want to pay for the next.
883>Good thing owlbear pelts fetch a healthy reward.
884“It's nice to know that Writ-Wrot have been speaking kindly of us.  I was afraid that they would have exaggerated our little adventures.”
885“Don't need to worry about that Brother!”
886>Leiwf'wa giggles.
887“He's been telling your stories in nearly every town he passes through.  I wouldn't say he's been exaggerating, more like he's been adding his 'artistic flourish' to the tales.”
888“Artistic flourish?”
889“It adds a little flavour.  They certainly know what makes for a good yarn.”
890“What kind of flourishes?”
891“Nothing terrible.  Rather complimentary actually.”
892“What kind?”
893“Don't be surprised if people start asking why you aren't seven feet tall, clad in silver mail polished to a diamond shine, and radiating a 'holy light of purity and righteousness'.”
894>Barren-Bairn are laughing louder than ever.
895>Both Torae-Tori seem to be having trouble breathing.
896>I only hope the Lord of Light can find it in himself to avert his gaze the next time I meet with Writ-Wrot.
897“No need to be embarrassed, Ivor!  I'd imagine that you should be honoured to be described as such!  I've read countless books filled from cover to cover with accurate descriptions of people, and each and every page is chore to even skim.  The best stories always embellished in little ways.”
898“Thanks, Leiwf'wa, but that doesn't exactly make me feel better, nor do those embellishments sound 'little'.”
899“Well then, I'll have you know that you aren't the only target of the bards' artistic tongues.”
900>Leiwf'wa looks over to Torae-Tori.
901>They're just beginning to breathe properly again.
902“It seems as though a certain Pushmi-Pullyu stands taller than any stag, with pronghorns atop their heads like ivory crowns, wielding a bow that can down a wyvern and a sword as large and as heavy as a Orc-bred ox, with a countenance and manner that rivals the beauty and grace of both the Goddesses of the moon and winter!”
903>Barren-Bairn are roaring and pounding at the table.
904>Ale is flying everywhere.
905>Now Torae-Tori take their turn to be embarrassed.
906>Tori places her hands on top of her head.
907“Pronghorns?”
908>Torae covers her face and begins muttering.
909“Taller than a stag?”
910“That's not the worst of it.  Apparently, these 'fair yet deadly' warrior-maidens wear no armour!  They go into battle wearing nothing but a snow white gown, made from the softest silk.  It is said that the gown was loomed and stitched by the very hands of God of War himself, so that this Pushmi-Pullyu could be his 'Bride of the Battlefield'.  The gown is so pure in its beauty that no drop of blood can bring itself to stain its fibres!”
911>I can hear the floorboards beneath Barren-Bairn begin to splinter and crack from him stomping on them.
912>Leiwf'wa allows herself to give a hearty chuckle.
913>Torae-Tori look like they could break out into tears at any moment.
914>I don't make a sound.
915>I'm pretty used to holding back my laughter at this point.
916“A snow white silk gown!”
917“Bride of the Battlefield?”
918>Lord of Light forgive me, for I can't help but feel a touch a joy from seeing my friends suffer.
919>I reach out and place a hand on Tori's shoulder.
920“Don't let this bother you.  You heard what she said, you aren't alone in this humiliation.”
921>Tori sniffs and looks up at me.
922>Torae still can't bring herself to remove her hands from her face.
923“Tell you what, tonight you can drink as much as you like, and if you can't manage the walk back to the inn then I shall hire a cart to carry us.  Also, if we ever meet with Writ-Wrot again we'll be sure to share a few choice words with him.”
924>A small grin spreads across Tori's lips
925“Choice words, indeed.”
926>Torae is still covering her face.
927“I think I'm going to need another ale before I can face all of you again.”
928>Barren slam an open palm onto the table.
929“Exellent idea, Torae!”
930>Bairn is already trying to wave down the barkeep.
931>May the Lord of Light give me the strength to persevere.
932>This is going to be a long night.
933...
934“An excellent tale!  An intriguing origin; the creation of an angered god over the warring between two tribes.  I've heard similar myths but can't say I've heard that particular version.  It will make for a worthy addition to my anthology.”
935>One story, many questions, and two bottles of wine later.
936>Demorian sits hunched over in his chair, wringing his hands together.
937>Writ-Wrot rest awkwardly on the long bench.
938>Each with one leg on the floor and one leg on the bench.
939>They had just finished re-telling their popular tale of “The Birth of The Pushmi-Pullyu”.
940>Demorian insisted that they not use the theatre or their instruments.
941“I don't need such trappings.  I just want the story.”
942>Writ-Wrot grin.
943>This isn't their largest audience, but they can't help but feel as though is could be one of their most impactful.
944>Wrot looks over to the puppet theatre, parked against a wall near the door.
945>He feels that their telling was perfectly fine, but the puppets brought a sense of magic that made the story special for them.
946>Writ looks down at the dregs of wine in the bottom of his cup.
947>It was a good wine;well aged, not too sweet, just the right amount of dryness.
948>It was an especially good wine.
949>He feels that the simple sharing of a story is far from an appropriate payment for such a fine drink.
950>He also feels that this wine went a little quick to his head.
951>And in only six mugs.
952>Must have been a strong wine.
953>Demorian lets out a long yawn.
954“Pardon me.  That wine seems to be taking it's toll.  It is becoming a bit late, maybe it would be best to bring an end to our evening?”
955“Perhaps.”
956“Most likely.”
957“A good plan.”
958“Well thought.”
959“A pleasant end to a pleasant evening.”
960“A delightful conclusion to our meeting.”
961>Writ gives his eyes a rub, trying to force his heavy eyelids to stay open.
962>Wrot stretches his arms out and groans.
963“You best be collecting your theatre and getting on the road; you never know what might be lurking along the roads at night.”
964“So true.”
965“We are certainly familiar.”
966“We must away.”
967“The next town waits.”
968>Writ-Wrot don't even stand up from the bench.
969>Neither of them can build up the strength to rise.
970>Demorian leans back in his chair and closes his eyes.
971“I do hope to see you again, sooner rather than later.”
972“Of course.”
973“Would be grand.”
974“Many stories to share.”
975“Many songs to...”
976>Wrot's head nods slowly down to his chest.
977“Songs to...”
978>Writ wonders why it's become so difficult to lift his arms.
979“To...”
980>Wrot wonders why the bench suddenly feels so comfortable.
981>Demorian folds his fingers together and rests his hands upon his chest.
982“It's a good thing that sleeping powder didn't affect the flavour of the wine.  Especially one with such a fine vintage.”
983>Writ only hears half of the old man's words before allowing himself to drift away.
984>Wrot follows soon after.
985“I'll see you both soon enough.”
986>Demorian goes silent.
987>No one in the room notices as the doors open, near silently.
988
989>Be bandit.
990>Just got back into town with my partner.
991>We didn't make much money.
992>Did steal plenty we can sell.
993>Just not today.
994>We'll fence the goods tomorrow.
995>Tonight we're spending the money on a little treat.
996>Standing outside of tavern.
997>Not our usual one, but a nicer one.
998>Not what some folks would call “high class”, but is certainly better than the one we usually go to.
999>We've heard about this place.
1000>This one is well lit.
1001>And it has a fire place.
1002>And the ale doesn't get watered down.
1003>And we don't owe an outstanding tab to the barkeep.
1004>That last one is probably the most important.
1005>We're going to go in, buy many drinks, consume them all, and not stop until we run out of money.
1006>I don't know when that will happen.
1007>We're not that good at math.
1008>All I know is that we probably have enough for more than one round.
1009>That's all that matters right now.
1010>Open door.
1011>Step in.
1012>It's warm inside.
1013>I can look across the room and see every person seated at every table.
1014>That's pretty neat.
1015>There's standing room at the bar.
1016>This is going to be a great evening.
1017>Barkeep looks at us.
1018“Hey, shitheel!  Close the damn door!”
1019>Laughter rings out from several of the tables.
1020>Partner turns and closes the door.
1021>In our usual tavern, this would be grounds for me to start a fight.
1022>Not tonight.
1023>This is a nice place.
1024>This is going to be a good evening.
1025>I'm not about to start messing this up before I've had even one sip from a bottle.
1026>Stride up to the bar.
1027>Partner isn't far behind.
1028“Two ales, please.”
1029>Barkeeper gives us a leery eye.
1030>Pull out coin pouch.
1031>Dump contents on the bar.
1032>Barkeep looks over the coins.
1033>Gives us another glance.
1034>Counts four of the little copper ones into his hand.
1035>Counts another four.
1036>Turns away from us.
1037>Look down at the rest of the coins on the bar.
1038>Two groups of four?
1039>Don't know how much that is.
1040>So four of the copper coins get us an ale?
1041>Count out four copper coins.
1042>Count out another four.
1043>Same amount the barkeep took away.
1044>Looks like a lot, but we still have plenty of copper on the bar.
1045>Look at the other coins.
1046>Have one silver.
1047>How much ale will a silver coin buy us?
1048>How much for some whiskey?
1049>What about a bottle of wine?
1050>I guess we'll find out when we need another drink.
1051>Barkeep returns with two mugs of ale and places them down in front of us.
1052>Grab mug.
1053>Drink deep.
1054>Damn.
1055>This ale actually has a flavour.
1056>We have to start coming her more often.
1057>Begin sorting our copper coins into groups of two fours, preparing them for ordering more ales.
1058>Better do it now before I become too drunk to keep them in order.
1059>Partner elbows me in the ribs.
1060“What the hells is your problem?”
1061>He points to a large table in the corner.
1062>Six people seated around it.
1063>Odd looking group.
1064>Cleric.
1065>Really old looking elf in a fancy dress.
1066>Two sets of twins.
1067>Wait.
1068>Is one them a centaur?
1069>Hold on.
1070>What?
1071>Are those two guys connected?
1072>Look at mug.
1073>I don't feel drunk.
1074>Take another swig.
1075>Look back at the table.
1076>They're still connected.
1077>Looks like they're having a good time.
1078>Lots of laughter from that table.
1079>Must be telling a good story.
1080“ It seems as though a certain Pushmi-Pullyu stands taller than any stag, with pronghorns atop their heads like ivory crowns-”
1081>What did that elf just say?
1082>Pushmi-Pullyu?
1083>Grab partner by shoulder and turn him to face the bar.
1084“What did those guys in the cloaks say to those guys in that horse cart?”
1085“About what?”
1086“You remember!  They said that they needed those guys to speak with their lord or something?  It was about some sort of creature.”
1087“Oh yeah.  That was kind of weird.”
1088“Yeah, but what was the name of that creature?”
1089“The creature?  Geeze.  Give me a second here.”
1090>We each take a sip from our mugs.
1091>Partner's got his eyes clenched shut and his brow if furrowed.
1092>Looks like he's trying to pass a stone.
1093“It was a strange sounding thing, like regular words said weird.”
1094“Yeah, like it wasn't any fancy language.  Like common but said quickly.”
1095“Push-something.”
1096“Pushmi-Pullyu?”
1097“That might have been it.  Why do you want to know?”
1098“I think I've found us a way to buy a few more drinks tonight.”
1099>Turn back to look at the table.
1100>Don't want to start talking to those connecting things.
1101>Gives me the creeps.
1102>I like elves.
1103>But I've heard some horror stories about an old one in this town who causes nothing but trouble.
1104>Not going to take that chance.
1105>Cleric looks friendly.
1106>Looks like the trustworthy type.
1107>Only trustworthy people seem to become clerics.
1108>Trustworthy folks always wind up carrying their friend's money.
1109>Know who I'm going to talk to.
1110>Walk up to the table.
1111>They hardly notice me.
1112>Glance around.
1113>Whoa.
1114>Even the lady twins are connected.
1115>What do you have to do to have that done to you?
1116>Must have pissed off the wrong wizard.
1117>Getting distracted.
1118>Clear throat.
1119>Everyone at the table turns to look at me.
1120>A bit awkward.
1121>Look at the cleric.
1122>Just need to keep looking at the cleric.
1123“Eh, uh, Brother?”
1124>Cleric smiles at me.
1125“Yes, sir?  Can I help you?”
1126“Ah, maybe?  I mean, I don't need help, but I was thinking I have a few questions for you.”
1127“Well, feel free to ask.  The Lord of Light cannot stand for us to wallow in the darkness of ignorance.”
1128>Oh geeze.
1129>He's a real churchy one.
1130“Actually, it's kind of regarding a private matter.  I was wondering if you wouldn't mind joining me and my partner at the bar?”
1131“Of course.  I have no problem with that.”
1132>Cleric looks to his companions.
1133“This will probably be just a moment.  I'll place the order for the next round while I'm at it.  Anybody want anything in particular?”
1134“Ale.”
1135“Ale.”
1136“Ale.”
1137“Ale.”
1138“Maybe we should get some brandy?”
1139“Not brandy!”
1140“But I thought we were going to give it a try?”
1141“Not right now, maybe tomorrow?”
1142“I just thought it would be best to have a glass now.”
1143“And ruin our evening for the sake of experimentation?”
1144“No, just so if we don't like it we aren't wasting our money on an entire bottle later.”
1145“A sound idea.”
1146“I thought so.”
1147“Okay we can try some brandy.”
1148“Thank you.”
1149“But later, I really want an ale for now.”
1150“I can wait.
1151“So ale it is?”
1152“Ale it is.”
1153“Better get me a whole bottle of wine; I can't tolerate any more of this waiting for him to notice that my cup is empty.  And tell him to make it a good one!  I'm in the mood for something southern, and preferably dry.”
1154>The cleric nods his head and rises up from his seat.
1155>Gives me a grin.
1156“Shall we go?
1157“Sure.”
1158>We walk back to the bar.
1159>Barkeep see the cleric.
1160>Gives him a nervous look.
1161>Glances back to the table.
1162“Our table would like four more ales and a bottle of wine, one of your finest and preferably from the south.  Oh, and would you happen to have any brandy in stock?”
1163“Sorry, sir.  We haven't had a bottle of brandy here for a good season now.  Probably won't for a few more seasons, have to wait for one of the local brewers to produce a batch and we're on the edge of the winter season right now.”
1164“That's fine.  Just the four ales and the bottle of wine then, and another ale for myself.”
1165“Who's tab will this be on?”
1166“Mine, and remember not to tell Leiwf'wa about it.”
1167>Barkeep shudders.
1168“All right then.”
1169>Barkeep turns away and starts pouring drinks.
1170>Can't help but be a little impressed.
1171>I guess that's what respect looks like?
1172>Seems nice.
1173>Cleric looks at me and my partner.
1174“So, you had some questions?”
1175>Right.
1176>Down to business.
1177“Yeah.  We couldn't help but overhear you folks mention something over there.  Some kind of creature?”
1178>Partner speaks up.
1179“Pushmi-Pullyu?”
1180“Yeah, a Pushmi-Pullyu?”
1181>Cleric's not smiling any more.
1182“Yes.  We did mention that word.  Are you curious about them?”
1183>I kind of want to say “yes”.
1184“Not really, but we do know of a guy who's looking for information about them.”
1185“You don't say.”
1186“Yeah.  Apparently he's making some kind of book about them.”
1187“Really?”
1188>That caught his attention.
1189“Guy doesn't live to far from here.  Probably about eight hours walking.”
1190“Would you happen to have this gentleman's name?”
1191>Crap.
1192“Uh, yeah, it was...”
1193>Look at partner.
1194“Started with a 'D'-something.”
1195“Yeah, uh, 'De'... 'Dem'...”
1196“Was it 'Demo' or 'Dema'?”
1197“I think it was a 'Demu'?”
1198“No, definitely a 'Demo'.”
1199“You sure?”
1200“Pretty sure.”
1201“Don't sound too sure.”
1202“It was definitely a 'Demo'.”
1203>Cleric speaks up.
1204“Demorian?”
1205>How'd he know?
1206“Yeah!  That's it!  Demorian!  Sir Demorian!”
1207>Cleric doesn't look happy about that name.
1208>Doesn't look angry either.
1209>Looks kind of like he doesn't know if his last ale was actually ale.
1210“Do you know much about this man?”
1211“Not really, never heard of him before, I think he must be new to the area.”
1212“Can you direct me to where he lives?”
1213>Time to make the pitch.
1214“Yeah, I can, but before we get too far I have to say that there is a little bit of a tradition in these parts.  A little exchange that is performed for certain services.”
1215>The cleric gives his head a small shake.
1216“Sirs, I've done my fair share of travelling between the kingdoms.  I know what you're asking for; there's no need to try and disguise your intentions behind excessive words.  The Lord of Light has little tolerance for those who linger too long in the shade.  You have information I want and you would like to be paid for it?”
1217>Didn't expect a man of the cloth to be this direct.
1218>Throw a glance at my partner.
1219>He gives me a shrug.
1220>Look back to the cleric.
1221“Uh, yeah?  If that's okay?”
1222>Cleric pulls his purse from his belt.
1223>Reaches in and pulls out some coins.
1224>Drops one silver coin on the bar!
1225“I want directions.  Good ones.  And you will repeat them to me until I can recite them off by heart.”
1226“For one silver I'll draw you a map! If that's what you want.”
1227“That won't be necessary.  I also want you to promise me that you won't go sharing this information with anybody else.”
1228“What?  Why?”
1229“You don't know this Demorian fellow, so I don't know if you're sending us to a halfling or a dragon.  In case this man is dangerous I don't want you sending more people to him.”
1230“A nice point, but I have my doubts this guy is all that bad.”
1231“The Lord of Light guides my path.  I like knowing that his light shines for those who would follow it, and not for those who simply wish to follow the footsteps of his followers.”
1232“What?”
1233>He holds up a single gold coin.
1234>I can't believe what I'm seeing.
1235>Is that enough to buy a barrel?
1236>I don't care, it can probably buy more ale than I have ever drunk in my lifetime!
1237“I don't want you telling anybody else about this 'Demorian'.”
1238“You have my word.”
1239“If anybody asks about me and my unorthodox travelling companions, I want you to be silent.”
1240“I don't even know what one of those words mean, but I can keep quiet.”
1241“Good.  I'm going to trust your word.”
1242>The cleric looks over my shoulder at my partner.
1243>I look over at my partner.
1244>He's staring at the gold coin.
1245>Jaw slack open.
1246>Give him a nudge.
1247>He comes to his senses.
1248“Yeah.  Yeah!  I know when to shut up!” 
1249“Good.”
1250>Cleric places his hand on the bar.
1251“I'll just say one last thing:  I may be one who travels with the light, but I am more than a little familiar with what waits in the dark.  I am also well aware that what waits in the dark can be brought to bleed, just like everything else.
1252>He lifts his hand from the bar.
1253>There's the gold coin, sitting on top of all our copper.
1254>I can't say that I understood that last thing he said, but it certainly made me feel uneasy.
1255>Was that a threat?
1256>I don't care!
1257>I'm going to see if I can buy entry into the wine cellar!
1258“Now, about those directions?”
1259“Yeah!  If you're walking you'll want to leave through the West gate and travel a good long while on the main road.  Eventually you'll come to a fork where you're going to want to take the left...”
1260...
1261“Watch yourselves out there.”
1262“Yes, sir!”
1263“Of course!”
1264“Ivor, you worry too much.”
1265“You know we're stronger than anything on the roads.”
1266“How many bandit's have we killed?”
1267“You seen us kick how many into submission?”
1268“Point taken, but it is dark and we've all had a fair amount to drink.  I just want you to be careful out there.”
1269“Don't worry, good cleric!”
1270“We're better when we're drunk!”
1271>Barren-Bairn laugh.
1272>Something about that laugh puts me at ease.
1273“Still, don't wander too far out of town.  And Torae-Tori, when you get back to the inn I'll most likely be sleeping.  Please, don't just barge in and wake me.”
1274“We can't say we can promise such a thing.”
1275“But we can certainly try.”
1276“Or try to remember.”
1277“We won't be too late.”
1278“May the Lord of Light keep one eye on you.”
1279>The two Pushmi-Pullyus give a wave then wander down the street, side be side, headed for the nearest gate.
1280>I guess they want to have a private conversation.
1281>Can't blame them.
1282>Leiwf'wa gives a sigh and a chuckle.
1283“Can't help but worry about them, eh, Brother?”
1284“What can I say, I'm a man of great conscious.”
1285“True, but I highly doubt that has anything to do with it.”
1286“Do you?”
1287“You've travelled with Torae-Tori for how many seasons now?  You've face off against how many foes?  For goodness sake, they did most of the work in taking down that Owlbear.”
1288“I would argue otherwise.”
1289“Nevertheless, for the time that I've known you, you've never seemed to be a worrier.  Something's got you bothered.  Better be out with it.”
1290>Leiwf'wa turns and shuffles her feet down the street, heading back towards her library.
1291“You can tell me about it as you walk me home.”
1292>I don't know if her wisdom is derived from her being an elf or well aged.
1293>Either way, I can't dispute what she said.
1294>I take a few quick steps to catch up to her.
1295“Remember those two men who asked to speak with me?”
1296“I do.  They looked like a couple of bandits to me.  Lousy ones at that.”
1297“Doesn't matter what they were, they told me that there's a man not far from here who has taken a great interest in Pushmi-Pullyus.  Apparently he's writing a book on them.”
1298>Leiwf'wa looks up at me.
1299>Her eyebrows are arched in strong interest.
1300>I've mentioned two of her favourite things in one statement.
1301“You don't say?”
1302“They tell me he's probably new in the area.  They think he's moved into one of the old mansions that rest between here and one of the towns to the North-West.  I figure that he might just be a man I could talk with.  If I'm lucky, he'll have spoken to Writ-Wrot and will be able to give me directions on where to find him.”
1303>The old elf lets out a giggle.
1304“Still planning to give them a talking to?”
1305“Yes, but it would be nice to see them again.  I never really got the chance to have a proper conversation with them.”
1306>Another giggle.
1307“A proper conversation, indeed.”
1308>More giggling.
1309>I can't say I'm comfortable with all the humour going around and people not telling me the joke.
1310“What is it?”
1311“I'm sorry, Ivor.”
1312>She giggles again.
1313“What?  Why are you apologizing?  What's so funny?”
1314“I'm so sorry, but everything I said earlier about those stories Writ-Wrot has been telling about you and Torae-Tori was a lie!  Just a joke.  Please don't be too mad with them.”
1315>I feel something in me deflate.
1316>Lord of Light, forgive me.
1317“That was quite the joke then.”
1318“I couldn't help it!  You are always such an easy target.  And I thought Torae-Tori were due for a good ribbing while I was at it.”
1319>I can't be mad at her.
1320>She meant no harm.
1321>She apologized.
1322>She's smiling like a child.
1323>I could never be mad with someone like that.
1324>I guess I am a bit of a soft touch.
1325“So, what do you think of Barren-Bairn.”
1326“They're amazing!  They've spent so much time with dwarves, it's a miracle they've managed to survive without sunlight for so long!  However, if they shared meals with the dwarves then it's completely understandable.  I read a rather interesting journal which suggested that certain common aspects found in the diets of underground dwarven societies compensate for their lack of exposure to natural light.  Apparently their propensity for eating underground mushrooms, excessive amounts of meat, and whatever it is that they brew into liquor, somehow provides them with enough nutritional value that the average dwarf can live out their entire lifespan happy and healthy without seeing the sun even once.”
1327“That would explain a lot.”
1328“It might also help in explaining why they're so irritable above ground; drastic changes in diet, their bodies not used to the effects of excessive sunlight, and other little things.  But it's a good thing Barren-Bairn are so nice!”
1329“I'm glad you think so.”
1330“I'd only wish that they'd spoken to me a little more.  I can understand why they'd want to speak with Torae-Tori, but I paid for every drink at that table; you'd think they'd at least pay me some thanks.”
1331>I bite my tongue.
1332>I'm not about to let her know of our split tab.
1333>I'd hate to think that she'd blame the barkeep for my going behind her back.
1334“Give them time, I'm sure they'll come around.”
1335>The old elf sighs.
1336“I do hope so.  Back to the matter at hand; did those filthy idiots tell you anything else about this man you're planning to meet?”
1337“Not much.  I'm planning on going to see him tomorrow.  I wasn't given much information on this man and I don't want to go dragging Torae-Tori into this, so you might expect her to visit.”
1338>Leiwf'wa does a short skip and claps her hands.
1339“Wonderful!  I'll be sure to put out my finest.”
1340“I sure it will be appreciated.  Just don't be surprised if they bring Barren-Bairn along as well.”
1341“The more the merrier!  Are you sure you should be doing this alone?  They didn't give you anything to work with?  Not even a name?”
1342“They gave me a name.”
1343“Really?”
1344“Yes, but I don't know what to make of it.”
1345“Why's that?”
1346“Because we share it.  He's called 'Demorian'.”
1347>Leiwf'wa stops mid-step.
1348>She's not smiling anymore.
1349“Demorian?”
1350“That's right.  If I recall, the first time we met you mentioned having known a 'Demorian' in the past.”
1351“Yes, yes, I said that.  You don't have to remind me.”
1352“What do you think?”
1353>Leiwf'wa begins marching down the street.
1354>I guess our leisurely stroll has come to an end.
1355“When were you planning on going to see this man?”
1356“I'm going to leave town as soon as the sun rises.  I've been told that his house might be an eight hour walk from here.”
1357“Don't walk.  Hire a horse or a cart.  When you find the house see if you can find someone to speak to, but I suggest not going inside if invited.  As soon as you are done there, come back and see me.”
1358>This can't be good.
1359“Why?  What do you know of this man?”
1360“Nothing.”
1361>She knows something, and she's not telling me.
1362>Knowing her, there's nothing I can do or say to get her to tell me.
1363>Won't stop me from trying.
1364“You know I don't believe that.”
1365“Believe it, Ivor.  At this moment there is nothing I can tell you about this man that can help you.  Tomorrow I am going to lock my doors and go hunting for a book.  I have an idea who this man might be, but I refuse to feed you my assumptions and stories like some old, gossiping washerwoman.  For now, take your own advice and watch yourself.”
1366>Not the response I was hoping for.
1367>Nothing she said puts me at ease.
1368“Any other suggestions for me?”
1369>Leiwf'wa turns to face me.
1370“Go back to your inn, say a nice long prayer to Solom, drink some sweetroot tea, and get a good night's sleep.”
1371>She turns and resumes her march.
1372“If I'm right, this might be the last restful sleep we'll have for a long time.  Good night, Brother.  Sleep well.”
1373>Not quite as confident in my plan now.
1374>She did say that she might be wrong.
1375>Start walking back to the inn.
1376>Start praying on the way there.
1377>May the Lord of Light dispel the shadows so I might peruse his glory for one more day.
1378...
1379“And that's the story I told him.”
1380“Writ-Wrot was very interested in it.”
1381“Don't know if he's used it in any of his shows.”
1382“I have my doubts.”
1383“Not the most trilling tale.”
1384“No grand battles.”
1385“No heroes.”
1386“No terrifying beasts.”
1387“Nothing to hold an audience's attention.”
1388“But that's not the only thing I know.”
1389“There's one other little thing.”
1390“Would you like to hear a rhyme?”
1391...
1392>The next day.
1393>Before the sun rises above the roofs of Dunholn, Leiwf'wa awakens.
1394>She fell asleep sitting on her favourite stool again, hunched over with her arms folded across her chest.
1395>The same way she's been sleeping ever since she lost the space to sleep lying down.
1396>She shrugs the the heavy wool blanket from off her shoulders and rubs the sleep from her eyes.
1397>Opening her eyes, she is greeted by the total darkness that is her library.
1398>With a clap of her hands, dozens of small candle flames flicker to life, each one encased in a floating orb of thin glass.
1399>She rises from her seat and gives a long stretch.
1400>The old elf decides to skip breakfast.
1401>There's something she has to do this morning.
1402>It's a small job and requires only one book.
1403>The problem is the number of books she has to go through to find it.
1404>Leiwf'wa reaches out and takes hold of one of the floating orbs.
1405>Shuffling around the stacks of books, she makes her way to the bottom of her stair case.
1406>Looking up, she sees only darkness.
1407>The upstairs windows have long been buried behind the books in her collection.
1408>She hoped to one day uncover her bedroom and upstairs sitting room.
1409>Today her goal is a touch less ambitious.
1410>Today, she has to reach her attic.
1411...
1412>Be standing outside of (what I presume to be) the remains of a rather modest mansion.
1413>Only two stories.
1414>Walls covered in creeping vines.
1415>Gardens are either dead, dying, or in disarray.
1416>Some of the windows are still boarded up.
1417>The road up to the house has been grown over with grasses and weeds.
1418>Noticed a fair amount of dirt has gathered on the front step.
1419>Someone definitely is living here.
1420>Can't tell how many, but there has to be a few.
1421>Left my horse tied to a tree near the approach to this property.
1422>Hope this Demorian fellow is home.
1423>Knock on the door.
1424>Wait.
1425>No response.
1426>Knock again.
1427>Wait.
1428>Nothing.
1429>Take a step back and look up at the windows.
1430>Every one that isn't boarded up has its curtain drawn shut.
1431>How helpful.
1432>Hold on.
1433>A curtain on the lower level moved.
1434>Someone's home.
1435>Return to the front door and knock again.
1436>Wait.
1437>Wait a little longer.
1438>Hear the distinct sound of a locking mechanism.
1439>Door swings open.
1440“Yes?  Can I help you?”
1441>I'm face to face with a man wearing a deep-red robe.
1442>There's a chain hanging around his neck with a symbol on it.
1443>Don't recognize it.
1444>I don't think it's from a religious order.
1445>Some new cult?
1446“Excuse me?”
1447“Oh, sorry.  Would you happen to be Demorian?”
1448“No.  'Sir' Demorian is my lord and master.”
1449“Sorry.  Then might I ask if your master is in?”
1450“He is.  Might I ask who is calling for him?”
1451“Brother Ivor, Third of the Fifth Order of the Sanctuary of His Guiding Light, Cleric of Solom.”
1452“A cleric of Solom?”
1453“That is correct.”
1454“Is the purpose of this visit linked to your church?”
1455“No, far from.  I'm here for a personal interest.”
1456“Interest?”
1457“Yes, I got word that Sir Demorian has an interest in a certain creature of ancient legend.  Particularly, a creature that is referred to as 'the Pushmi-Pullyu'.”
1458>The man takes a step back.
1459“One moment, please.”
1460>He quickly slams the door shut.
1461>Hear the locking mechanism once again.
1462>Looks like I'm waiting again.
1463...
1464>Writ-Wrot  awaken in darkness.
1465>They aren't uncomfortable.
1466>Whatever they're lying on is well cushioned.
1467>The room is warm without being hot.
1468>The scent of fine pipe smoke wafts through the air.
1469>Not the worst place they've every woken in.
1470>Rather pleasant.
1471>The only thing that could make it better would be if their hands, legs, and torsos weren't tightly bound to their bed.
1472>The gags aren't very pleasant either.
1473>The Pushmi-Pullyu groans and jerks against their bonds.
1474>They shudder as a twinge of pain runs through their body.
1475>Writ silently curses Demorian.
1476>Wrot regrets not grabbing the knives.
1477>Another strong pull to no avail.
1478“Please stop doing that.  I'd hate to have you expire too soon.”
1479>Writ-Wrot freeze.
1480>Demorian?
1481“I wanted for you to be as comfortable as possible.  I have to apologize for what you must be feeling, but I can't afford to keep you drugged all the time; that particular powder is touch expensive, and with my already strained finances I regrettably must leave you to some suffering.”
1482>His voice sounds cordial and polite.
1483>Like he's still playing the generous host.
1484“I instructed for this room to be setup in such a way so that you might be able to sleep by yourself over the next few days.  Trust me, with what's going to happen you will need to sleep; you need to keep up your energy.”
1485>Wrot sees a small spark and a flame.
1486>A match is brought to the mouth of a pipe.
1487>A light sucking noise is heard as the pipe's weed is brought to char and glow.
1488“After that little bit of struggling of yours, you both probably noticed some pain.  That's because I've made a moderate incision to your midsection.  I've also been dosing the two of you with a medicinal tincture that thins the blood and keeps it flowing.  You see, I need to collect your blood, and no small amount of it.  This is going to take a fair amount of time because I can't afford to have you die before I have the amount I need, so the plan is to bleed you slowly over the course of the next few days.  I know, that's a scary thought.  You don't have to worry about a thing; we will be doing our best to ensure you remain healthy, safe, and comfortable through this whole procedure.  I know you must have questions but-”
1489>There's a knocking sound.
1490>Demorian heaves a long sigh.
1491“They know how I hate being interrupted.  Excuse me one moment.”
1492>The gentle sound of footsteps.
1493>Writ-Wrot can almost hear the sounds of door opening.
1494>A ray of bright light enters the room, causing them to flinch and shut their eyes against the sting.
1495“This had better be important.”
1496“There's a Brother Ivor at the door, sir.”
1497“Never heard of him.”
1498>Writ-Wrot raise their heads and give their bonds a pull.
1499>A moment of silence from the door.
1500“Interesting.”
1501“Sir?”
1502“What denomination does this 'Brother Ivor' belong to?”
1503“The Church of Solom, Sir.”
1504“Damn.  I thought we left the Solomites behind us when we left Esquouis.”
1505“I don't think he's an inquisitor, Sir.”
1506“Then what's he here for?”
1507“He said that he heard that you were interested in the Pushmi-Pullyu.”
1508>Another quiet moment.
1509“He did, did he?  Where did he hear this?”
1510“He didn't say.”
1511“Did he come seeking or offering information?”
1512“I don't know, Sir.  I didn't ask.”
1513“Damn fool.”
1514“I'm sorry, Sir.  What is your will?”
1515“Send him away.  Tell him I am busy and will be available to meet with him tomorrow afternoon.  Send two men to follow him and instruct them to return before midnight.  Now, go.  I need to return to my guest.”
1516>The light fades.
1517>Writ-Wrot can't even hear the door closing.
1518>More footsteps.
1519“So, it appears you've made a friend.  I'm looking forward to meeting him.  It's unfortunate he's a Solomite, they've caused me such troubles over the years.  Nevermind; all of that was in kingdoms too far from us to care about.  Now, you were more than willing to share a story with me, allow me the honour of sharing a story with you.”
1520...
1521“By every rotting asshole in Baator, DAMN IT ALL!”
1522>Leiwf'wa's displeasure could be heard from the streets outside her library.
1523>It has been a long morning.
1524>By the time the sun was full above the roofs of town, she had managed to uncover the hatch the lead to her attic.
1525>Shortly after, she figured that if she lined her floor with books she would have an easier time reaching the latch.
1526>A little before noon, Leiwf'wa poked her head into her attic.
1527>The little room she had access to was simply enough to ensure that no books would fall out when the hatch was opened.
1528>It was just past noon by the time Leiwf'wa found the text she was looking for.
1529>Shortly after she also discovered that by layering her floor with books, her old legs could no longer reach the first stair down to the main floor.
1530>And someone is knocking at the front door.
1531“I know you're there!  Stop with that knocking or I'll see you drink you next pint through a hole in your back!”
1532>Whoever is at the door must be persistent.
1533>They've been knocking constantly every few seconds.
1534>Between the knocking, the step, the search for the book, her empty stomach, and her early morning, Leiwf'wa is not in the best mood.
1535>The old elf looks down at the books beneath her feet.
1536>They're old, but the covers are still firm and well bound.
1537>She get an idea.
1538>An idea she hates, but still, an idea.
1539“Whoever is at my door, you're going to owe me a fair amount of money very shortly!”
1540>She lifts a foot and kicks a book down the stairs.
1541>She keeps kicking at the books until a foot can reach the stair below.
1542>After descending the stairs and working her way around the small pile of potentially ruined tomes at the bottom, Leiwf'wa can't wait to rip into the person at her door.
1543>Who still hasn't stopped knocking.
1544“The gods had better be rending the land asunder, because nothing less of an apocalypse is going to stop me from-”
1545>She swings the door open.
1546>Two faces stare down at her.
1547>They don't look happy.
1548>It's Barren-Bairn.
1549“You were saying something, elf?”
1550“Stop you from doing what exactly?”
1551>Leiwf'wa is lost for words.
1552>The Pushmi-Pullyu isn't smiling.
1553>Not like they were last night.
1554“Are you planning on inviting us inside?”
1555“You don't have to, we're fine waiting out here.”
1556“You probably don't have anything to offer us.”
1557“Unless you're hiding a flask inside one of those books of your.”
1558>Leiwf'wa run a hand over her hair in an attempt to smooth it out.
1559“Come in!  Please!  Hurry inside!”
1560>Barren-Bairn look at each other.
1561>Slowly, they step into the darkness of the library.
1562>Leiwf'wa simultaneously wishes they had come later and thanks every star in the night sky for bringing them here.
1563“I'm sorry this place is such a mess.  I've been up all morning working.”
1564“Working?”
1565“An elf that works?”
1566“How novel.”
1567“Quite nice.”
1568>The elf cannot understand what she's hearing.
1569>The creature is obviously joking.
1570>But everything it's saying has a tone of bitterness and disdain.
1571>Maybe they're not feeling well?
1572“I wasn't expecting you to visit.  What brings you to my door this morning?”
1573“It's afternoon now.”
1574“The sun is high.”
1575“We've come here to wait for Torae-Tori.”
1576“Her plan, not ours.”
1577“We wanted to meet back at the tavern.”
1578“But she insisted.”
1579>Leiwf'wa racks her memory of last night, trying to recall if she had done anything to offend the Pushmi-Pullyu.
1580>She knows that she has a tendency to be abrasive on occasion.
1581>While she struggles to think, she sets herself on being a good host.
1582“Any idea what Torae-Tori are up to?”
1583“No idea.”
1584“Not a clue.”
1585>Barren-Bairn immediately go quiet.
1586>The old elf fears she's not off to the best start.
1587“While we wait, can I get you anything?  I might have a bottle or two stashed away somewhere-”
1588“Nothing.”
1589“No need.”
1590“Don't bother.”
1591“We aren't thirsty.”
1592“I see.  All right then.  I believe I might have some sausages and cheese-
1593“We aren't hungry.”
1594“We decline.”
1595“There's nothing we want from you.”
1596“There's nothing you can offer us, elf.”
1597>The conversation ends.
1598>The Pushmi-Pullyu wanders towards the back wall of the library.
1599>Each head turns to face away from Leiwf'wa.
1600>They don't need to tell her that there's no point is forcing the conversation further.
1601“Oh.  That's fine.”
1602>The elf shuffles around her desk to her stool.
1603>She takes her seat and opens the book in her hands onto her lap.
1604>Barren-Bairn gaze at the numerous tomes  in before them.
1605>It isn't long before the peace of the library is broken
1606>The Pushmi-Pullyu hears the gentle sobbing of the ancient elf.
1607>Bairn bits his lip.
1608>Barren gives his fists a clench.
1609>Despite the silence, the two heads share a thought:
1610She's just an elf.
1611Just another elf.
1612Just like every other.
1613Torae-Tori will be here soon.
1614Torae-Tori will arrive and the crying will stop.
1615Please, Torae-Tori, hurry up.
1616Please, make the crying end.
1617...
1618>The afternoon sun still stands high above the town.
1619>Torae-Tori had already searched the market square, the major temples, several taverns, and the four main gates of the town.
1620>They were on their way to check on the west gate for the second time.
1621>Ivor was nowhere to be found.
1622>Nor was a single bottle of brandy, but that was a secondary goal.
1623>Ivor was not in their room when they woke.
1624>They didn't even hear him get up.
1625>Then again, they were always heavy sleepers.
1626>He left them a note, and a small pouch of coins.
1627>The note instructed them to meet with him at Leiwf'wa's library that afternoon.
1628>It also told them to spend the morning at their leisure.
1629>So they spent the morning drinking with Barren-Bairn.
1630>Now the pouch was almost empty.
1631>They sent Barren-Bairn to wait with Leiwf'wa.
1632>Barren-Bairn was resistant.
1633>Torae-Tori didn't know why.
1634>They didn't spend too much time talking last night.
1635>They were sure that whatever was the source of this reluctance, Barren-Bairn would surly come to like Leiwf'wa in due time.
1636>For now, the search for Ivor continues
1637“This isn't like him.”
1638“He's not one to wander.”
1639“Did he wander?”
1640“Well, he isn't here.”
1641“But did he wander?  You say it like he got lost?”
1642“Well, we lost him.”
1643“That doesn't mean he's wandered.”
1644“Then what do you think he's done?”
1645“Ivor's a smart man, he probably knew where he was going.”
1646“Naturally, so he should know how to find his way back.”
1647“Of course.  That just leaves one question.”
1648“Which is?”
1649“What do we do?”
1650“Go back to Leiwf'wa's?”
1651“Sounds like a good idea.”
1652“See how Barren-Bairn is doing.”
1653“Maybe she has some more of that wine in store?”
1654“Should we check the other gates first?”
1655“Why not?”
1656“We've already started.”
1657“Just in case.”
1658>Torae-Tori approach the west gate.
1659>They gaze past the archway, down the road.
1660“What do you make of that?”
1661“I don't know.  Does Ivor know how to ride?”
1662“He's never ridden with us.”
1663“I guess he does now.”
1664>In the distance, a man clad in chain mail and white robes, seated upon a painted horse, trots towards the gate.
1665“I wonder if he'll be sore?”
1666“He'll probably want to rest.”
1667“Will probably ask why we aren't at Leiwf'wa's.”
1668“He should be thankful we searched for him.”
1669“Well, he is an important member of our party.”
1670“He's half of our party.”
1671“And he's carrying all of the money.”
1672>Torae-Tori look at each other.
1673>Ivor could hear the laughter ringing through the gate.
1674...
1675>Be walking back towards Leiwf'wa's place.
1676>My trip to Demorian's house wasn't what I would consider fruitful.
1677>At least he says he's willing to meet tomorrow.
1678>Guess I should hire another horse.
1679“Why would you go do such a thing?”
1680“Going off to some mysterious house to meet with some unknown man who shares your name?”
1681“And you didn't bring us!”
1682“You should have brought us!”
1683“One look at us and you would have been let in right away!”
1684“The man wants to know about Pushmi-Pullyu's!”
1685“We're a Pushmi-Pullyu!”
1686“Or did you forget that little fact?”
1687>Torae-Tori has been going off ever since we returned the horse to the stables.
1688>It felt wrong to try and keep this whole thing a secret from them.
1689>The Lord of Light leaves no part of my heart with enough shadow to hide anything.
1690>I'm not about to interrupt them.
1691>I can see them smiling.
1692“Tomorrow morning, we are going to see this 'Demorian'.”
1693“And you're going to wake us up!”
1694“No leaving us behind this time!”
1695“We want enough time to have a good breakfast.”
1696“A full breakfast.”
1697“Not just a cool bowl of porridge and a small cup of warm milk.”
1698“That's all well and good for life in a cloister, but you're the only one here who's been through that.”
1699“Oh, look.  We're already here.”
1700“I hope Barren-Bairn is still around.”
1701“Leiwf'wa can be a little intense when you start getting to know her.”
1702“Hold on.”
1703“You hear that?”
1704>Even twenty steps away I can hear it.
1705>There's yelling coming from the library.
1706>I can't quite make out what's being said
1707>But it's loud.
1708>And it sounds angry.
1709>Almost sounds like two voices.
1710>Run towards the door.
1711>Torae-Tori trot up behind me.
1712>Grab the handle and look back to Torae-Tori.
1713>Torae has already drawn her sword.
1714>Put one hand on the handle of my mace.
1715>Another yell.
1716>Give the door a quick shove with my shoulder.
1717>Rush in.
1718“I'm telling you it's true!”
1719“It can't be!”
1720“Not so!”
1721“All lies!”
1722“Complete fabrication!”
1723“Not one word is a lie!  The whole truth!  I swear it on every last sunrise I have left in this world!”
1724>Don't know what to make of this scene.
1725>Leiwf'wa is seated at her desk, atop her stool, swaying back and forth.
1726>Looks like she could fall at any moment.
1727>Has a expression of smugness plastered across her face in the way that only elves can pull off.
1728>Barren-Bairn are sitting on the floor.
1729>Looks like they're about to cry.
1730>Everyone has a bottle in their hands.
1731>Three more empty bottles rest on a stack of books
1732>I think I can piece together half of this puzzle.
1733“Ivor!  We've been waiting for you!  Come in!  Come in.  I'm sorry, we bought more bottles, but you were so late coming back that we decided to not let them go to waste.  Is that Torae-Tori?  Come in!  Don't just stand there!  We've been having the best conversation!”
1734>Torae-Tori approach Barren-Bairn and kneel down to face them.
1735“What happened?”
1736“Why are you on the floor?”
1737>Barren-Bairn lift their watery eyes.
1738“Make her say it isn't true!”
1739“She a liar!  A filthy, knife-eared liar!”
1740“But they're such lovely and sharp knives!  Maybe I should use them to carve you of a slice of roast beef?”
1741>Take Leiwf'wa by the shoulders.
1742>Her eyes are having trouble focusing.
1743>She can't stop giggling.
1744>I don't think she's going to be of much more help today.
1745“Leiwf'wa.”
1746“Brother Ivor!  Have I ever told you how shiny you are?  It's true!  I think we can all thank Solom for that.  A toast!  To Solom and his shiny cleric!”
1747>She lifts the bottle.
1748>Take bottle from her hand and set it down.
1749“I think you've had one toast too many.”
1750“No such thing.”
1751“You're having trouble sitting.”
1752“I'm old, Ivor.  Old people have trouble with balance.”
1753>Hear sobbing.
1754>Look over the desk.
1755>Barren and Bairn are clinging to Torae-Tori, crying heavily.
1756>Torae-Tori look up to me, visibly confused and uncomfortable.
1757“Leiwf'wa, what happend here?  Why were you both yelling at each other?”
1758“Yelling?  We weren't yelling.  We were simply enjoying our conversation with enthusiasm.”
1759“We could hear you out in the street.”
1760“We're very enthusiastic people.”
1761“What happened?”
1762“Well, Barren-Bairn came to pay me a visit.  He was looking at my books and wasn't overly interested in conversation, and I thought I'd leave him be.  Next thing I know, I hear him reciting a poem to himself.  I knew the poem so I decide to be friendly and join in...”
1763...
1764“How do you know the rhyme?”
1765“Who told it to you?”
1766“Was it Writ-Wrot?”
1767“Did you read it?”
1768“Which book?”
1769“What's it called?”
1770“Is it somewhere in here?”
1771>Be a few hours ago.
1772>Leiwf'wa stares confused at the blustered faces of Barren-Bairn.
1773>There are tears still wet on her cheeks, but all of a sudden she doesn't feel like crying anymore.
1774“How long have you known that rhyme?”
1775“Did you learn it from some traveller?”
1776“Maybe it was in a scroll?”
1777“You do collect scrolls, don't you?”
1778“Where's your collection?”
1779“Is it upstairs?”
1780>She's confused.
1781>This is the most Barren-Bairn has ever said to her.
1782>This is the most they've said to her in a tone that doesn't make her feel like setting her library on fire with her still inside.
1783>Leiwf'wa's confusion gradually fades.
1784>She feels the corners of her mouth begin to rise.
1785“If you really want to know how I learned that poem, you need to do me a favour.”
1786“A favour?”
1787“What kind?”
1788“This better not be a trick.”
1789“Don't try to lead us astray.”
1790“I have no intention of lying to you.  If you want me to answer your questions, all I want you to do is go outside and buy six bottles of liquor.”
1791“Liquor?”
1792“What kind?”
1793“I'll leave the choice to you.  In fact...”
1794>Leiwf'wa pull a pouch from her belt and drops it onto a book between her and Barren-Bairn.
1795>It lands with the metallic clinking of coins.
1796“I'll pay for them.”
1797>The Pushmi-Pullyu glares at the elf.
1798“It can't be that simple.”
1799“It's a trick.”
1800“Has to be a trick.”
1801“You want us out of here so you can plot.”
1802“We know of elves and their plans.”
1803“I have no plans!  I'm not trying to trick you!  All I want to do is talk with you.  I want you go out, buy some bottles of something you like, then come back here so we can drink together and talk.”
1804“Talk?”
1805“That's all you want?”
1806“A little chat?”
1807“That can't be it.”
1808“Barren-Bairn, listen to me.  I'm old.  I have neither the time, the energy, nor the strength for planning, plotting, and trickery.  All I want right now, is for us to share a drink and some words.  They don't have to be kind words; I'm not asking you to be polite and cordial.  All I ask is that you'll take the time to talk with me.”
1809>Leiwf'wa can feel the tears welling up again.
1810>Barren-Bairn share a glance with one another.
1811>Bairn reaches out and grabs the pouch.
1812“We'll buy the bottles.”
1813“We hope you can stomach whisky”
1814“We can find our own way to the market.”
1815“Don't get up.”
1816>The Pushmi-Pullyu stomps over to the door and shoves it open.
1817“We shouldn't be long.”
1818“Hopefully we'll be back before the others arrive.”
1819“We'll have our little chat.”
1820“You will tell us what you know of that rhyme!”
1821>Barren-Bairn step through the door and closes it behind them with a slam.
1822>Leiwf'wa stares at the door, not saying anything.
1823>She half expects them to barge back in to yell at her and demean her for being an elf.
1824>A moment passes.
1825>They don't come back.
1826>Leiwf'wa grabs the collar of her shirt and gives her cheeks a wipe.
1827>They still haven't come back.
1828>A smile springs to her lips.
1829>She hops off her stool.
1830>The book in her lap falls to the floor.
1831>She does a quick lap around the piles of books in her library, giggling all the while.
1832>Returning to her desk, she climbs down on her hands and knees.
1833>She swears she remembers storing some cheese and sausage in a box below the desk.
1834>She has to clear some space.
1835>Make enough room for a Pushmi-Pullyu to sit.
1836>She wonders if she still has some of those biscuits left over from the day before.
1837>Ivor and Torae-Tori will be coming.
1838>Maybe she should send for some extra food?
1839>Ivor wanted to know about Demorian.
1840>That can wait.
1841>Barren-Bairn said they'd be back soon.
1842...
1843“We had such a delightful time!  We learned so much about one another.  It's a shame you two didn't come earlier.”
1844>Leiwf'wa grins as she looks at some distant thing over my shoulder.
1845>She's done for the day.
1846>What she wanted to tell me can wait for tomorrow morning.
1847“That's very nice, and I'm sorry we weren't here.  However, you still haven't explained why Barren-Bairn is crying.”
1848“I'm getting to that.  Doesn't Solom frown upon that kind of attitude?  Shame, Brother.  Shame.”
1849“Leiwf'wa, please.”
1850“All right.  I can take a hint.  Just because I'm old and I've had a little bit of a drink doesn't mean I've lost all my senses.  So, Barren-Bairn asks me about that lovely poem of his and how I knew it.  I figure I've strung him along enough, so I decide to tell him: my grandfather told it to me.”
1851>Barren-Bairn let out simultaneous wails of despair.
1852“Not only did my grandfather tell me that poem, but his father had told it to him.  And you'll never guess who taught it to him.”
1853>She looks at me expectantly.
1854>Didn't sound like she was asking a question.
1855“His father?”
1856“No!  His grandfather told it to him!  That's not all.  My great-great-great grandfather not only recited the poem, but he was the one who wrote it!”
1857>Barren-Bairn are howling like a wounded dog.
1858>Torae-Tori whisper between each other furiously.
1859>I think they're debating between helping their friend or attempting an escape.
1860“That's right!  My great-great-great grandfather, Tierl'aln, son of Vilholef, worked as a scribe, but had such a hand for poetry.  I always thought his work never made it far from my homeland.  I thought that it was kept in my family.  I was so surprised to see that my favourite piece of his had made it so far that Barren-Bairn would hear it!  I've never felt so proud!”
1861>Torae-Tori have managed to remove the bottles from Barren-Bairn's hands and are now attempting to bring him to his feet.
1862“Not true.”
1863“All lies.”
1864“Wicked lies.”
1865“Can't be true.”
1866>Tori strokes Barren's hair and shushes him like how a mother might soothe a child.
1867>Torae looks at me.
1868“We're taking them outside.  Some fresh air might help.  We'll wait for you.”
1869>I give them a nod and turn back to face Leiwf'wa.
1870>She waves at the Pushmi-Pullyus as they exit the library.
1871“Come again!  Don't be strangers!”
1872>I give her a quick pat on the shoulder.
1873>Her head whips back to face me.
1874>Her eyelids are starting to droop.
1875>She's had a lot to drink for an elf.
1876>Especially for one her age.
1877“You know, I think it might have been my brother.  He travelled so far from home.  He loved that poem just as much as me.”
1878>I reach over and grab a wool blanket that has been thrown over a stack of books.
1879>I wrap the blanket over her shoulders.
1880>She smiles and closes her eyes.
1881“It was so nice of him to tell others.  So nice...”
1882>Her head begins to nod her head.
1883“Leiwf'wa, we're going to go back to the inn now.  We'll be back early tomorrow to see you.”
1884>Leiwf'wa grins and gives a little murmur of acknowledgement.
1885>Her chin drops to her chest.
1886>She's out.
1887>I carefully find my way around the desk and head for the front door.
1888>I give one last glance behind me.
1889>The elf sits perched upon her stool, as still as can be.
1890>How does she do that?
1891“Sweet dreams, Leiwf'wa.  May the Lord of Light shine brightly in them.”
1892>Open the door and exit.
1893>Barren-Bairn is upright.
1894>Barren is blowing his nose into one of his shirt sleeves.
1895>Bairn furiously rubbing at his eyes.
1896>Torae-Tori are looking at something across the street.
1897>Tori looks over and waves at me, beckoning me to come to her.
1898>I approach and start looking in the same direction as them.
1899>I can't see much through the throngs of people passing by.
1900“What's going on.”
1901“There's a man in an alleyway.”
1902“He's been watching us.
1903“Lots of people do that.  It's probably nothing to worry about.”
1904“This one's different.”
1905“He keeps popping into and out of the alley.”
1906“And he's dressed funny.”
1907“We've never seen clothes like those before.
1908“Not in this town.
1909“He doesn't belong here.”
1910>I'm beginning to feel a little concerned.
1911>If Torae-Tori are like this way, then this man might just be cause for worry.
1912“What's he wearing?”
1913“Red robe.”
1914“A long one.”
1915“Like some kind of monk.”
1916“You know of a church where the monks wear red?”
1917>I can feel my stomach tie itself into a knot.
1918>Demorian?
1919“Which alley are they in?”
1920>Torae points across the street.
1921“No!”
1922“Damn it!”
1923>They leap away and start shoving through the people passing by.
1924>Rush in to follow.
1925“What happened?  What's going on?”
1926“He saw us point!”
1927“We gave ourselves away!”
1928“He knows we saw him!”
1929“He's running away!”
1930>Lord of Light save me.
1931>I'm beginning to feel that I need to be careful around Demorian.
1932“He's probably headed for the west gate!  You head straight there.  I'll try to follow him.”
1933“Be careful, Ivor.”
1934“You don't know what he can do.”
1935...
1936“I learned my story from a rather interesting source.  I'd tell you about him, but I would hate to bore you with petty details.  I'll just say that I paid dearly to hear this story, and it is precisely why you are with me in this room.  
1937	A long time ago, in days long before the ancient ages, there was a great mage.  He was so in tune with the unseen powers that wound their way around and through this world and every other world that he could mould and shape reality to suit his every whim and will.  To see him perform his craft, you could easily be led to think he was a god, but you would be wrong.  He was just a man with great skill and talent.  While he could perform feats that could be considered 'godlike', he was still bound by the elementary rules of magic.  The rule which haunted him the above all others was the first and most basic.
1938	All magic comes at a price. 
1939	It was because of this rule that the mage came to hate the gods.
1940	The gods can live and do as they please with seemingly no limitation.  All the gods require is the adoration of their believers, and through this faith they receive unlimited control over all they see.  The mage saw this flow of power and was offended.  What price did the gods have to pay?  Whispered words in the ears of a man in robes?  The occasional thunderstorm?  Tricks and stunts that are declared as 'miracles'?  A pittance that is too easily met, and a result that far outweighs the price.  The mage looked at the power of the gods and cursed them.
1941	Not out of anger or some sense of justice.
1942	The mage envied the gods.
1943	You see, the mage knew that while his powers were impressive, he would always be limited by what he was capable of paying.  He also knew that the Gods needed the belief of mortals to maintain their powers, a different source for a similar magic.  Now, do not misunderstand what I'm trying to say here; the mage wasn't looking to become a god.  He had spent too long studying magic to give it all up and learn a different system.  He was also of the belief that the magics of the gods was derived from an sub-par source; the blind and unwavering faith of the foolish and the weak-willed.
1944	The mage simply wanted to wield the power of the gods.
1945	He just didn't want to pay the price for that power.
1946	To many, trying to break one of the fundamental rules of magic is considered a foolish endeavour; it would be like trying to prevent a kettle from boiling on a fire by politely asking to fire to stop being so hot.  However, the mage knew (as all good mages eventually learn) that he didn't have to break the rules, he just needed to find a creative way of working around them.  It took him a long time to figure out his 'loophole', and he found his answer in the things he despised: the gods and faith.
1947	The mage determined that faith is like water from a well.  A properly dug well can provide a near endless amount of water.  However, no well is bottomless; all wells, no matter how perfectly built or deeply dug, will eventually run dry.  Wells are also fed by the waters found below the ground, and the water below the ground is fed by the rain and snow.  It's a bit of a cycle.  So long as there is enough rain and snow, even if it comes in small amounts, a well will almost never dry.  A believer opens the 'well' of their faith to their chosen god, granting them a near unlimited supply of power.  The gods in turn feed the faith of their believers with proof that their faith has purpose.  The little 'miracles' of the gods is the rain that feeds their followers.
1948	The mage saw this and realized that magic is a little similar.  Wizards, sorcerers, necromancers, enchanters, and many others draw their magic from the endless powers of the planes, but the wells they dig are weak and crumble easily; they can build only one well at a time, and once it is used it is forever lost.  The mage simply needed to find a way to build a better well.
1949	The mage secluded himself from the world for a long time.  He tried creating all manner of facets through which he could draw more power, but all of them either failed to meet his expectations, were themselves too costly to create, or would crumble in his hands after a single use.  Stones, gems, staves, icons, alters, tomes, circles, entire buildings, all of them were complete failures.  Every passing day brought only more disappointment, and every passing year only enforced the thought that his dream was never meant to be.
1950	And then one day, he was struck by an idea.
1951	The mage decided to take a short rest from his research and went to a window to observe the world.  Looking to a field of grass outside his tower, he saw that several deer had gathered to feed.  He thought them to be lovely creatures, so he took his time happily observing them.  The mage then noticed a wolf prowling through the tall grass, headed towards the deer.  Not wanting to have the beauty of the deer spoiled, he let out a shout.  The deer in the field were startled and started looking around for what made the noise.  It wasn't long before one of them noticed the wolf and started running.  Soon all of the deer in the field were on the move and the wolf was forced to give chase, lest he lose his meal.  The mage watched as the wolf ran about, trying to choose which deer to kill, eventually settling on a fatter, slower animal.  The wolf leaped upon the deer, and in one bite, ripped open its throat.  The deer died on its hooves and tumbled to the ground where the wolf set to work digging into his feast.  The mage, shocked by what he had witnessed, ran from his tower to the field.  He rushed to the dead deer and set the wolf's tail on fire, scaring it away.  He looked down upon the deer and noticed something odd about it.
1952	The deer wasn't fat.  The deer was pregnant.
1953	Driven by a strange urge, the mage sliced the deer open and removed the unborn calf.  The calf had died in the fall.  The mage, decided to perform a small experiment, and cast a spell which imbued a small amount of power into the calf.  Once the spell was completed, the calf opened its eyes, jumped from the mage's arms, and ran about.  It was as lively as any other deer in the field, if more so.  It was then the mage came to his revelation.
1954	If the believers in the gods had an inborn source of power that is their faith, what if he made a creature with an inborn source of power that was drawn from the planes?
1955	So he set to work creating such a creature.  They required sturdy, robust, healthy bodies that were capable of withstanding the strain of having power drawn into and through them.  He wanted them to be capable of fending for themselves, so he gave them two sets of arms and two sets of eyes.  Recognizing his own desire for a companion after centuries of seclusion, he gave the creature two minds, so that it would be able to better understand him and engage in conversation.  He would give the creatures two powerful hearts, that he would link together and enchant as two loci for magical energy.  The first would draw energy from the Astral plane, pump this power through the creature's body through its blood, then remove all the excess through the contractions of the second heart.  Lastly, inspired by the calf he breathed life into, the mage gave the creature the body of a deer.  Of course, this creature was a creation of magic, so the mage needed to pay a price.  This price wasn't all that impressive, some rather common materials, a single sacrificial body, and a fair amount of his own blood.  However, it was a small price to pay to create a source through which he could siphon out a near endless amount of energy.
1956	He named the creature using words from one of the old tongues: Puche'eh'emay Pah'hoo'elme'a'hoo.  Words which roughly translated to: they who carry the water from the ocean to the mountain.
1957	With the passage of time, this name would be shortened and bastardized to what we know today.
1958	Pushmi-Pullyu.
1959	The mage, delighted in his creation, abandoned his tower and set forth to travel with his new companion to wield the power of the gods.  He was overjoyed in the near limitless source of power at his disposal, all drawn easily from his creation.  However, just like with every good well, anything that is 'near limitless' still has a limit.
1960	One day, after performing a rather powerful and taxing spell, the mage noticed a change in his companion.  The creature no longer recognized him and spoke to him as if he were a complete stranger.  It had completely forgotten everything about its life prior to that last spell.  More importantly, the mage could no longer draw power from the creature; as if its connection to astral plane had been burned out.  Rather than put the poor beast out if it's misery, the mage pitied the thing and chose to be merciful.  He gave the creature a name and released it, leaving it to live its own life in the world, confident that it would survive by its own wits and skill.  He then set to work creating another.
1961	Since that time the mage has been travelling across the worlds, always with one creature in tow.  Just like with the first one, whenever a creature 'burns out' he sets it free and creates another.
1962	This is the story that I paid for.
1963	The price I paid was steep, so I have no doubt that it's true.
1964	You may have lost your connection to the Astral plane, but that doesn't mean the magic has left your body.  I will drain you for all I can, and once I'm confident I have enough I'll cut your throats and allow you a proper death.
1965	If there are no complications, you should be able to produce three casks (a rather conservative number).  You've already filled three-quarters of the first one, so I think we're well on our way.
1966	You don't have to worry too much.
1967	I've done this once before.”
1968>Be Running
1969>Trying to chase after a man in robes.
1970>More used to running towards a foe or having them run towards me.
1971>Not used to chasing.
1972>He's pretty fast for a guy in robes.
1973>Then again, running around in full mail and vestments isn't exactly the easiest thing to do.
1974>He hasn't been making this an easy chase.
1975>He turns a corner and I only come around in time to see him turning another corner.
1976>Don't know which direction I'm running in anymore.
1977>Don't have enough time to see which street I'm on.
1978>Don't even know if we're getting closer to the west gate.
1979>He's managing to gain some distance on me.
1980>May the Lord of Light guide my feet.
1981>He turns a corner.
1982>I take the same corner.
1983>Don't see him.
1984>Can't tell where he's gone.
1985>Come to an intersection.
1986>Only three ways he could have went.
1987>The Lord of Light shows me where I need to be.
1988>Look around.
1989>Recognize the street.
1990>Turn and start running towards the west gate.
1991>He may not be heading in this direction, but at least I know what waits for me there.
1992>Here's hoping Torae-Tori have better luck than myself.
1993...
1994>The people walking by the library hurry their steps and avert their gazes from the argument taking place.
1995>The children, on the other hand, gaze confused at the scene and wonder why the two are exchanging heated words but refuse to look at one-another.
1996“Mommy, what is the Pushmi-Pullyu doing?”
1997“Don't bother them dear.”
1998“But what if they fight?”
1999“That won't happen.”
2000“What if they get so mad they separate?  Is that how satyrs are made?”
2001“No honey, now hush!  It's rude to talk about other like that.”
2002>Barren-Bairn stand leaning against the front wall of the library.
2003>Their eyes are red.
2004>Cheeks still wet with tears.
2005>Barren's hands are clenched tightly, shaking slightly.
2006>Bairn's arms are crossed, his lips pursed.
2007“It's a lie!  Has to be!”
2008“She has no reason to lie to us.”
2009“She's an elf!  That's reason enough.”
2010“She's old, that's reason enough not to.”
2011“That's a stupid reason.”
2012“Just as good a reason as yours.”
2013“So we trust her now?”
2014“I never said I trust her.”
2015“You certainly sound like you trust her.”
2016“Thinking someone is telling the truth isn't the same as trusting them.”
2017“Care to explain what the difference is?”
2018“I wouldn't ask her to stand by us in battle.”
2019“That has nothing to do with trust!”
2020“That has everything to do with trust!”
2021“I could say the same thing for her being old.”
2022“Maybe that's the point?”
2023“What?  That she's an ancient, knife-eared, fork-tongued, flower chewer?”
2024“That we need to believe her because she's old!”
2025“An old people are incapable of lying?”
2026“No, because she's the only one who's even heard of the rhyme before us.”
2027“All a story.”
2028“She knew all of the words.”
2029“So what?”
2030“She had a story.”
2031“We have stories, better ones at that.”
2032“She might have it in a book?”
2033“Writ-Wrot could have told it to her.”
2034>Bairn bites his lip.
2035>Barren makes a good point.
2036“In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Writ-Wrot told her to tell folks that little story of her 'great-great-great grandfather' writing it”
2037>A quick bit of movement catches Bairn's eye.
2038>It came from the alley between Leiwf'wa's library and the next building.
2039“We both know how much they like a good story.  They write just as many as they've been told!”
2040>Another bit of movement.
2041>A piece of fabric, gently waving.
2042>Has a bit of a deep-red colour
2043>As if it were catching slight gusts of breeze.
2044>While being hung from the wall of the library.
2045>In an alleyway.
2046“Makes you wonder how many of the stories he told us that night were actual legend?”
2047>Bairn sticks a hand up.
2048>There's no stirring in the air.
2049>Not even enough to cause the hair on his arm to rise.
2050>Bairn takes some slow steps towards the mouth of the alley.
2051>Barren's legs unconsciously follow.
2052“We need to have a nice long chat with Writ-Wrot if we ever see them again.  Maybe Torae-Tori and Ivor will let us join them in their journey?  We can all have a good sit down with the bard!”
2053>Bairn reaches the corner of the building.
2054>The piece of fabric hasn't moved.
2055>He slowly reaches out a hand.
2056“What are you doing anyway?”
2057>Bairn's hand snaps out and quickly grasps the fabric.
2058>He gives a firm pull.
2059>It doesn't budge.
2060>If anything it's resisting.
2061>Whatever the fabric is attached to is trying to go into the alleyway
2062“Got something?”
2063“Yes, and I could use a hand here.”
2064>Barren draws a hand axe.
2065>He circles around Bairn, towards the alley.
2066>Bairn clumsily steps through the turn, the alcohol dulling a bit of his coordination, but manages to keep a grip on the fabric.
2067>Barren look at the thing in the alley.
2068“It's a man?”
2069“Mind taking care of it?”
2070“Sure, dead or alive?”
2071“I'm not sure.”
2072“He sure is putting up a good bit of a fight.”
2073“The nice thing to do would be to put him out of his misery.”
2074“But he probably heard us.”
2075“He was definitely spying.”
2076“Looking for information?”
2077“Most likely, but for who?”
2078“Don't know.”
2079“Can't say.”
2080“I was never that good at interrogation.”
2081“Ivor might be a better fit.”
2082“Alive?”
2083“I'd say alive.”
2084>Barren nods his head.
2085>He spins the axe in his hand so that the flat rear of the head faces forwards.
2086>With one swift motion, Barren brings clubs the man on the back of the head.
2087>The man collapses.
2088>Bairn releases his grip on the fabric of the man's robe.
2089>Barren-Bairn step around the man so that the two of them can get a good look at him.
2090“Are you sure you didn't kill him?”
2091“I used the back end of the axe.”
2092“That is the less-deadly part.”
2093“Leaves more of the skull intact.”
2094“Doesn't look like he's bleeding from his eyes.”
2095“His tongue is still in his mouth.”
2096“Let's just hope we haven't rendered him stupid.”
2097“We didn't kick him.”
2098“That probably helped.”
2099“Now we just have to show him to Ivor.”
2100“Should probably get him to a quiet place.”
2101“Move him now or wait for Ivor and Torae-Tori?”
2102“And where should we move him to?”
2103“The Innkeeper probably wouldn't appreciate another guest in our room?”
2104“I don't think he likes us already.”
2105“It's not our fault the beds are too small!”
2106“Maybe we can rent a stable somewhere?”
2107“That reminds me.”
2108“What?”
2109“Where are Torae-Tori and Ivor anyway?”
2110...
2111>Writ feels a hand on his shoulder
2112>The Pushmi-Pullyu stirs from its sleep and lifts their groggy heads.
2113>They feel weak.
2114>Of course, being slowly drained of blood over the course of a day will have that effect.
2115>Wrot was dreaming that they were running through an endless field of wild grass, carefree and joyous beneath a warm sun.  As he gazed off into the distance he could see the distinct wavering of hot air above a flame.  The field was burning in the distance.  He looked around them and saw that a fire was burning all around them in the distance.  It was still far away, but he couldn't tell how long it would take until it was upon them.
2116>Writ didn't dream at all.
2117>But as he slept he couldn't help but feel as if something was watching them.
2118>And it was holding back a laugh.
2119>A twinge of pain.
2120>The Pushmi-Pullyu flinches as they slowly attempt to move their limbs as much as they can to relive the stiffness in their joints.
2121>Writ can't help but notice the distinct scent of cooked meat and vegetables.
2122>Wrot blinks his eyes against the dim lighting that pervades the room.
2123>The voice of Demorian is easily recognized by both.
2124“You've been doing very well.  You've finished filling the first cask a few hours ago and I've started you on the second.  I imagine that you're feeling pretty faint right now.  Don't worry; I've brought food and water for you.  I hope you like stew.”
2125>Writ watches as the aged man sets a wooden bowl on the bed near him.
2126>The contents of the bowl steam away, filling writ's nostrils with a tantalizing scent.
2127>Demorian slowly lowers himself onto the edge of the bed, near the bowl.
2128>He looks Writ directly in the eye with a stern expression.
2129“I understand that you are hungry and I am more than happy to feed you, however there are a few conditions to how this will operate.”
2130>The Writ-Wrot does not like the sound of that statement.
2131>However, they recognize that they are in no position to raise argument.
2132“Firstly, I cannot risk you attacking me, so I shall not be freeing your hands.  Instead I will feed you myself.  Secondly, I am only going to feed one of you at a time; I will remove one of your gags so that you might eat but this is expressly for the purpose of feeding you, there will be no talking or discussion on your behalf.  Are we understood?”
2133>Writ stares up at Demorian.
2134>He can feel the hunger gnawing away at his stomach.
2135>He wants to eat, but what of Wrot?
2136>It's strange not being able to speak to his other half.
2137>Writ can't help but feel as though he's trying to think with only half a mind.
2138>It's maddening.
2139>Something catches Writ's ear.
2140>The sound of skin on skin.
2141>Two hands rubbing together.
2142>Writ senses the sound coming from behind him.
2143>Wrot is trying to communicate
2144>Wrot rubs his hands together for a few seconds.
2145>Then gives a small clap
2146>Writ doesn't know what Wrot is trying to say; doesn't know what thoughts his second mind is trying to convey.
2147>But he thinks he understands
2148>Writ looks to Demorian and gives his head a slight nod.
2149>The old man reaches his hands towards the back of Writ's head and begins the process of untying the gag.
2150>If they're going to survive being bled for the next two days, they need to eat.
2151>Of course, at the end of those two days the only thing waiting for them is a slit throat.
2152>But Ivor is in the region.  They spoke of him earlier.
2153>A rescue is possible.
2154>But in only two days?
2155>Almost sounds like a story.
2156>Demorian drops the gag on the bed, picks up the bowl, and offers Writ his first spoonful.
2157>Writ gingerly opens his mouth and accepts the spoon.
2158>The first taste is all he needs.
2159>The stew is bland.
2160>The veggies are over boiled, the meat tastes old and gamy, the potatoes are still crunchy in the centre, and it needs salt.
2161>A lot of salt.
2162>But it's enough to make a stomach feel less empty.
2163>It didn't take long for Writ to finish his bowl.
2164>After offering Writ a few sips from a cup of water, Demorian replaces his gag.
2165>Demorian rises from the bed and shuffles off to a part of the room that Writ-Wrot cannot turn their heads to see.
2166>When he returns, he is carrying a second bowl and sits down by Wrot.
2167“I do apologize for disturbing the silence, but I can't help but feel compelled to speak a few words.
2168>He removes the gag from Wrot's mouth and proceeds to offer him a spoon of the dreadful stew.
2169>Wrot eagerly accepts the meal.
2170>Writ has nothing else to do but listen to their host.
2171“I know you heard me speaking to one of my underlings about a particular 'Brother Demorian'.  No sense in denying it, I saw your reaction when his name was mentioned.  You needn't worry about him, he doesn't know you're here and I'm expecting him to pay me a little visit tomorrow.  It should make for a bit of an interesting discussion.  Of course I won't allow him to live, too much potential for him to alert his order.  You shouldn't concern yourself over a possible fight; despite my age I've killed my fair share of Solomites.”
2172>Wrot almost doesn't open his mouth in time for his next spoonful of stew.
2173>He doesn't like the confidence in Demorian's voice.
2174“You know, I've been chased out of five different southern Kingdoms because of the Solomites.  A real persistent group, and just as annoying.  I had no qualms in dispatching them, but it always surprised me how many more of their order they would send despite how many of them I killed.  I do believe that's the definition of 'insanity'.”
2175>Writ wishes his teeth were sharp enough to chew through the leather strip of his gag.
2176>He has choice words he would share with his host.
2177“Then again, I might not be the one to kill him.  That will all depend on what my followers tell me upon their return.  They shouldn't be too long now; the sun is beginning to set.”
2178>Wrot takes the water offered to him before being gagged again.
2179>Demorian rises from the bed, collects the two bowls, and returns to the unseen portion of the room.
2180>There's a sound of metal on stone.
2181>Both Writ and Wrot don't like the sound of what it might be.
2182“Unfortunately, the presence of Brother Ivor places me under a certain amount of pressure.  I'm going to have to move the schedule ahead slightly, which means deepening the incision.  Don't worry, I'll keep one of my underlings in the room at all times to ensure you don't bleed too much.  I will do everything in my power to ensure that you come out of this perfectly hale and hearty.”
2183>Wrot catches a glimpse of a shadow passing along the bed.
2184>Demorian's voice is close.
2185“Besides, you two are made of stern stuff; a little blood should be no bother.
2186...
2187“He has to still be in the town!”
2188“We didn't see him at the west gate.”
2189“And the guards at the north and east gates didn't see him either.”
2190“Wouldn't that mean he's left by the south gate?”
2191“Possible.”
2192“But unlikely?”
2193“Doubtful.”
2194“He must still be in town.”
2195“Hiding somewhere.”
2196“Biding his time.”
2197“But why did he run?”
2198“Why was he watching us?”
2199“It's not like we would have attacked him.”
2200“Then why did we chase after him?”
2201“Because he was suspicious?”
2202“He did seem shady.”
2203“And he wouldn't have ran if he was innocent.”
2204“Maybe he was just nervous?”
2205>Be walking back to the library.
2206>May the Lord of Light forgive me.
2207>The robed man managed to escape.
2208>After I caught up with Torae-Tori we tried looking around.
2209>Asked some questions.
2210>No luck.
2211>No point in wasting our time, so we're headed back to the library to meet up with Barren-Bairn.
2212>Don't know what that guy was watching us for, so it's probably best if we stick together in case he has some friends hanging around.
2213>Had to have been Demorian.
2214>But why?
2215>The reason probably doesn't matter.
2216>He's interested in the Pushmi-Pullyu.
2217>Now his lackeys know I'm with two of them.
2218>Dunholn is no longer safe.
2219>Might have to cut our visit a little short.
2220>Maybe take a trip to see Demorian?
2221>Torae-Tori don't seem please with what's happened.
2222>See the Library.
2223>Don't see Barren-Bairn.
2224>Damn it!
2225>Time to assume the worst!
2226“Torae, do you see Barren-Bairn?”
2227“He's not where we left him.”
2228“Barren-Bairn's gone?”
2229“He might not be g-... Oh.”
2230>Torae points towards the alleyway beside the library.
2231>One of Barren-Bairn's heads is waving to us from the mouth of the alley.
2232“Is he gone?”
2233“Not gone, just moved.”
2234“Oh.  Nothing to worry about then.”
2235“All is well.”
2236“But not quite.”
2237“Considering the situation.”
2238>We approach the mouth of the alley.
2239>One of Barren-Bairn's head smiles at us.
2240>The other one is holding a hand axe, looking down at a man in red robes lying unconscious on the ground at his feet.
2241“Barren-Bairn, did something happen while we were gone?”
2242“You could say that.”
2243“Something did happen.”
2244“Care to explain?”
2245“We found this guy trying to be sneaky around us.”
2246“Listening in on our conversation.”
2247“Who knows what he was thinking of doing.”
2248“Sneaky folk usually aren't up to much good.”
2249“Too bad he isn't the best at being sneaky.”
2250“We found him easy.”
2251“So we caught him.”
2252“He tried to run.”
2253“So we put him down.”
2254“He isn't dead.”
2255“At least he seems to be breathing.”
2256“He hasn't woken up yet.”
2257“Been out for...”
2258“A few hours?”
2259“I'd say a few hours.”
2260“A few hours.”
2261>Kneel down beside the man.
2262>Look him over.
2263>Same robes as the others.
2264>Some dried blood on the back of his head.
2265>Seems to have a pretty good bump.
2266>Still breathing.
2267>Thank goodness for that.
2268>Can't say I'm fond of the idea of bashing a person's skull in for eavesdropping in on a conversation.
2269>Then again, I can't really say what I would have done if I caught that guy I was chasing.
2270>Bring a hand above the man's head.
2271“All pains and wounds are soothed under the Lord of Light's hand.”
2272>Solom's warmth flows through my fingers, causing a soft light to glow between my hand and the man's head.
2273>The swelling on the back of his head recedes.
2274>Stand up.
2275>We lost one man, but found another.
2276>The Lord of Light does give some strange blessings.
2277“He should recover fairly well, but he probably won't be waking up for a few hours.”
2278>Barren-Bairn look to each other.
2279“Maybe we were a bit too firm with him?”
2280“Don't know our own strength?”
2281“At least we didn't kick him.”
2282“Would have taken more than just Ivor to bring him back.”
2283“We don't know if he's the one we were chasing or a partner.  Who knows how many of these men might be in town.”
2284>Tori looks to me.
2285>Torae place a hand on the hilt of their sword and start to slowly glance around.
2286“Any idea of what we should do?”
2287“We need a plan.”
2288“Can't stay in the street.”
2289“Should we leave?”
2290“We could go to the forest.”
2291“Hide out in the trees.”
2292“Might be safe out there.”
2293“I don't think so.  We don't know if he is working alone of if he has friends, and if he does how many.  I don't want to go somewhere where we could be easily followed and surrounded.”
2294“What our options then?”
2295“Any alternatives in mind?”
2296“We're going to stay in town, but we can't just leave him here in the alley.”
2297“We could go to the Inn.”
2298“Or Leiwf'wa's.”
2299“I don't think the Inn keeper would appreciate us lugging in the unconscious body of a man in red robes.”
2300“That's what we thought!”
2301“We had the same idea.”
2302>Barren-Bairn give a chuckle.
2303“As much as Leiwf'wa is accommodating and convenient, I'm going to say 'no'.  There's already hardly enough room in the library for all of us in there, and she's already sleeping off  some whisky; I don't think disturbing her right now would be the best idea.”
2304>Torae taps a hoof against the ground.
2305>Tori nervously rubs her arms.
2306“Then what do you think we should do?”
2307“You're the one who makes the plans.”
2308>I don't like being told that.
2309>But I'm not about to raise argument.
2310>Look to the sky.
2311>It's starting to darken.
2312>We don't have much time left.
2313>Reach for my coin purse.
2314>Walk over to Torae-Tori.
2315>Give Tori a few silver coins.
2316“Go to the market and see if you can buy some rope.  We don't need anything fancy, but we need enough to bind his hands and legs or to securely tie him to a post.”
2317>Look over to Barren-Bairn.
2318“Barren-Bairn, can you pick him up?”
2319“No problem”
2320“Shouldn't be difficult.”
2321>The kneel beside the body and start discussing how they will carry him.
2322>Look back to Torae-Tori.
2323“There's a stable not far from our Inn.  We're going to see if we can't rent a stall for the night so that we can keep watch over him, away from others.  After you buy the rope come back to the inn.  If I'm not there, wait for me.  Whatever happens, you must stay at the inn and wait me.  Understood?”
2324>Torae-Tori both give me looks of concern.
2325“I'm not joking here!  Understood?”
2326“Yes.”
2327“Of course.”
2328“Understood.”
2329“Clearly.”
2330“Go to market.”
2331“Buy rope.”
2332“Return to the inn.”
2333“Directly to the inn.”
2334“Wait for you.”
2335“Don't leave.”
2336“Just wait.”
2337“We can do that.”
2338>They quickly trot out into the street and turn towards the market square.
2339>I let out a deep sigh.
2340>May the Lord of Light watch over them and sweep all obstacles from their path.
2341>Turn back to Barren-Bairn.
2342>One of them has managed to sling the man over a shoulder.
2343“Told you.”
2344“Easy.”
2345>See something dangling from the man's neck.
2346>A thin chain.
2347>Reach out and give the chain a slight tug.
2348>The chain falls from his neck.
2349>From the end of it dangles a symbol.
2350>A half-close eye surrounded by an upside-down flame.
2351>Demorian.
2352>What is he doing?
2353>Hold onto the symbol.
2354>Leiwf'wa might know something about it.
2355“Let's go, I want to find a stable before nightfall.”
2356“Lead the way.”
2357“Onward.”
2358>Step out of the alley.
2359>I don't know my plan will work, but it's the best I can think of at the moment.
2360>Now I just need to figure out what we're going to do when he wakes up.
2361>The Lord of Light illuminates my path.
2362>I just wish he would let me know what waited for me down it.
2363>Begin to quickly march down the street.
2364>The sun is sitting just above the rooftops.
2365>Speak quietly.
2366>Say a quick prayer to the Lord of Light.
2367“Though my path be long and darkened, hidden from my eyes, the Lord of Light sees all the lies before me.  He gives his light to me so I may not waiver or falter.  He warms my heart so I may not tremble or cower.  He fills me with his might so I may strive and overcome.  I give my devotion to the Lord of Light.  The Lord of Light is just.  The Lord of Light is fair.”
2368...
2369>Across the street from the library sits an old house.
2370>Cracks in the wall's plaster, missing the odd shingle from the roof, and dirty windows.
2371>The man inside is thankful for the dirty windows.
2372>He sits with his eye an inch away from a small spot he rubbed through the dust with his thumb.
2373>He's been staring through that little spot more than an hour.
2374>His hands feel sticky.
2375>Must be from the blood.
2376>He rubs them against his trousers, hoping to rub off the stained skin.
2377>Sir Demorian would not appreciate his dirtied hands.
2378>Sir Demorian would most certainly look harshly if her dirtied his robe.
2379>He'll have to stop by a well or a stream on his way back to the mansion.
2380>There was no doubt in his mind that he would escape from the Cleric.
2381>It's tragic that his companion was not so fortunate.
2382>However, to find that there were two more Pushmi-Pullyu in Dunholn?
2383>This is a coincidence to make even the greatest gambler balk at the odds.
2384>His lord will be pleased to receive the news.
2385>But he cannot make his return yet, not without his companion.
2386>He watches as the Cleric and the female Pushmi-Pullyu return from their fruitless search for him.
2387>The retrieval of his friend will be difficult.
2388>Difficult, not impossible.
2389>He heaves a heavy sigh.
2390>This house was convenient for spying from.
2391>If only he had come in earlier.
2392>The tenants were gracious enough to leave the front door unlocked.
2393>Even better they were so quiet as he sliced their throats open.
2394>He quickly glances down at his hands.
2395>If only they had the decency to not bleed so much.
2396>Maybe he cut too deeply?
2397>The woman was particularly annoying.
2398>All her crying and trying to defend her daughter.
2399>No dignity.
2400>Distracting him from his greater task.
2401>Shame he won't be able to return to this house.
2402>Especially after all the effort he put into making it safe.
2403>His eye returns to his little spot on the window.
2404>The female Pushmi-Pullyu runs down the street.
2405>The cleric and the Male Pushmi-Pullyu carry is comrade in the other direction.
2406>He can't return to Sir Demorian alone.
2407>Too much risk of the cleric learning something he shouldn't.
2408>A distraction might be needed.
2409>He has an idea in mind.
2410>First, he'll follow the cleric to see where his comrade will be kept.
2411>Second, he'll procure a bottle of lantern oil.
2412>If his plan doesn't work, it will most likely mean the death of his comrade.
2413>A necessary act.
2414>At worst, it would mean the death of both of them.
2415>Also a necessary act.
2416>Sir Demorian wouldn't have it any other way.
2417...
2418>The light is near blinding.
2419>It isn't actually that bright, but after spending that past day in near-total darkness it seems that way to Writ-Wrot.
2420>They slugishly lift their heads from the bed and squint against the light.
2421“I'm sorry to disturb your rest so rudely; I just felt compelled to speak with you.”
2422>Writ-Wrot recognize the voice of Demorian.
2423>They've grown pretty used to hearing it.
2424“I'll also admit that I'm looking for a proper conversation this time, so I will be removing your gags.  I would only ask that you avoid any sort of nonsense.”
2425>The Pushmi-Pullyu nods their heads and Demorian gently removes their gags.
2426“Thank you.”
2427“Greatly appreciated.”
2428“Those were becoming quite uncomfortable.”
2429“Not that they were comfortable to begin with.”
2430“They do tend to dry out your mouth.”
2431“And the they taste terrible after a while.”
2432“Must be the saliva fermenting into the cloth.”
2433“Very unpleasant.”
2434>The old man gives a chuckle.
2435“It's good to see that your situation hasn't dulled your humour.”
2436“Humour is the only tool we can use at the moment.”
2437“I doubt we could juggle or put on a puppet show currently.”
2438“Maybe with some practice?”
2439“More practice than I think we can afford.”
2440“Shame.”
2441“Would make for a good show.”
2442>Demorian clasps his hand together and grins.
2443“Wonderful!  You'll definitely make for a better conversation partner than my followers; something about being an unquestioning lackey seems to have a correlation to having no personality whatsoever.”
2444“How true.”
2445“Quite Right.”
2446“We noticed the same with many bandits.”
2447“It seems only boring people become bandits.”
2448“All 'give me your purse' and 'no sudden moves'.”
2449“No appreciation for a good chat.”
2450“There might be a relationship; who knows what might have happened if I didn't intervene in the lives of my followers?  The roads of this world might have become a touch more dangerous?”
2451>Another laugh from Demorian.
2452>Writ is thankful that the old man is in a good mood.
2453>Wrot tries to think of how to keep their captor laughing.
2454“And yourself sir?”
2455“Why do you attract such a lot?”
2456“Sheer animal magnetism?”
2457“Influential relations?”
2458“Deep pockets?”
2459“Nothing so crude.  They follow me because they're stupid and like all stupid people they needed something in their lives to give them purpose and make use of their unique skills.  While I do pay them a modest sum, it's their devotion to me and belief in my cause that makes them so useful.”
2460“Devotion?”
2461“Cause?”
2462“A religion?”
2463“A Cult?”
2464“Doesn't seem to be your fashion?”
2465“You don't really come off as the pious type?”
2466“Not to offend.”
2467“Just making an observation.”
2468“You're quite right, I won't deny that.  No, I'm not offering them salvation.  What I am offering them is the opportunity to be first in line to have the ear of a being of supreme power.  One who can grant them their most obscene wishes and reward them infinitely for their dedication.”
2469“Sorry for our lack of understanding.”
2470“There is some confusion on our part.”
2471“Didn't you say this isn't a religion?”
2472“It sounds like you're communing with a god?”
2473>A corner of Demorian's lips twitch.
2474“Not a god, but something god-like.  I will say that I do not have an immediate connection to this being, we do share something deeper and more personal.”
2475“A deep connection?”
2476“A personal relation?”
2477“Sounds almost like a long-lost rich uncle.”
2478“Or a runaway banker with the only keys to a family vault.”
2479“Maybe a banker-uncle?”
2480“His uncle's banker?”
2481“So many possibilities.”
2482“An astounding amount.”
2483“Still, he does seem to be an impressive leader of men.”
2484“Much like others we know.”
2485“No sense talking about them though.”
2486“Nothing more dull than speaking of others who have no greater story attached to them.”
2487>Demorian gives a quick breath but continues smiling.
2488“If you'll recall from our first meeting, I did not take kindly to you hiding things from me.  I'm not about to ask you to divulge your secrets, but I will ask you to stop keeping your intentions from me.  As entertaining as you may be conversationally, I cannot abide you dancing around a topic in the hopes that I'll just accidentally begin gushing out my insidious plans.  I know I've imprisoned you and currently have you bleeding into a cask, but I would ask that you pay me enough respect to be upfront with your questions?  I may like a conversation but I've never been fond of all this 'social manoeuvring' that some people seem so obsessed with.”
2489>Writ-Wrot weren't expecting to be call out so quickly.
2490>Neither of them are surprised by the response.
2491“We apologize.”
2492“We'll attempt to be more assertive.”
2493“You share a name with a man we once met.”
2494“Ivor Demorian.”
2495“A Celric of Solom.”
2496“Is he a relation?”
2497>Demorian leans back in his chair and crosses his arms.
2498“If I recall, the two of you gave quite a reaction when I was told he wished to pay me a visit.  Sadly, I must confess that I hold no relation to that man beyond our name.  I doubt I've ever seen him before.
2499“A shame.”
2500“You should meet him.”
2501“He's a very interesting character.”
2502“Is a part of some grand tales.”
2503“Much to his embarrassment.”
2504“Much to our delight.”
2505“I'm sure I'll make his acquaintance soon enough.  He is supposed to pay me a visit tomorrow.”
2506>A brief silence passes.
2507>Wrot dreads what this meeting might bring.
2508>Writ wonders if Torae-Tori would follow Ivor to this mansion.
2509>Demorian gives his chair a slight rock and gazes dreamily upwards to the wall behind the bed.
2510“You two are very well travelled.  Have you ever heard any stories that involve the Demorian name?”
2511“Can't say we do.”
2512“Not to my knowledge.”
2513“I guess we aren't that well travelled.”
2514“We're rather attached to our circuit.”
2515“No worries.  Would you like to hear a portion of the story which makes my name so interesting?”
2516“You have a captive audience.”
2517“Quite literally.”
2518“But we are certainly interested.”
2519“You have our full attention.”
2520“Excellent.”
2521>Demorian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
2522>He begins rocking his chair a little further back.
2523“The name Demorian is derived from one of the older houses from one of the Eastern kingdoms.  I couldn't say witch kingdom but it wouldn't matter; it no longer exists.  The name was attached to a rather influential family that derived its power from a series of ancient relations who shared an arcane background, meaning that those belonging to the Demorian bloodline had a good familiarity to the mystic arts.  Ours was a family of many great wizards and sorcerers.  I could list the names, but I would hate to bore you with excessive genealogy.”
2524“Your consideration is greatly appreciated.”
2525“Nothing ruins a good story like excessive tangents.”
2526“Perhaps we could discuss it at a later date?”
2527“If you're up for another conversation?”
2528“I would appreciate the opportunity.  The Demorian name is still recognized in certain pockets of the East, especially among the remnants of the other great houses.  However, the kingdom that we belonged to experienced the same tragic fate as many others: revolution.  The lesser classes rose up and took arms against the ruling houses, lead by a small group of fools who thought they knew what was best for a kingdom simply because they knew how to swing a sword and slew a few dragons.  The Demorians were already viewed with distaste by the rabble; frequently accused of being in league with dark powers and abusing their magics to oppress those below them.  Seeing the writing on the wall, many of my ancestors collected anything they could that held any value and fled the kingdom just in time to watch it crumble from a distance.”
2529“A daring escape from an uprising?”
2530“Surely another trilling story for another time?”
2531“Another time.  From the East the member of house Demorian wandered towards the North and West, settling here and there.  As they travelled they sold the little they had, made a few smart investments, participated in a little politicking, and soon members of the family had each amassed tidy fortunes for themselves.  Recalling their experience of what drove them from the East, the Demorians decided to avoid the public spotlight and became rather insular.  Some would even go on to become quite hermetic.
2532“A shame.”
2533“How tragic.”
2534“To hide away like that.”
2535“Were they being hunted?”
2536“No, the matters of the East stayed in the East.  The Demorian name was maintained for many decades, unfortunately time is cruel to all.  Our bloodline was thinned from a series of necessary marriages to lesser peoples; all done in order to perpetuate the existence of the Demorian name.  Thus the mystical connection once contained within our blood is practically non-existent now.  Despite being hoarded, the wealth of the family either slowly dwindled into nothing, or was locked away and forgotten in banks and vaults as members of the family died off.  The Demorian history was not shared among the decedents or those who married into the family in order to prevent them from wandering back to the East and to any of the grudges that might still be held there.”
2537“But you appear to be an exception.”
2538“The last 'true Demorian'.”
2539“I appreciate the sentiment, but there is much I am still sadly lacking to be worthy of such a title.  For instance, I do not posses the magical aptitude of my forefathers.  There was also a point in time that I could hardly afford my daily needs.”
2540“A lot has changed since then.”
2541“From humble roots to your lofty position.”
2542“Quite the transition.”
2543“A noticeable difference.”
2544“What might have inspired such a change?”
2545“What drove you to now?”
2546“It was pure happenstance, really.  As you are already aware I am a bit of a scholar, specializing in linguistics; I actually have several books published under my name that were fairly well read in certain circles.  At the time I was living in Dunholn.  One day an older text from an Eastern settlement fell into my hands.  The text was simply a primitive account of the settlement's regional history.  I originally looked to the book in an attempt to trace back the origin of a particular Elven colloquialism: Phe'eaents aqui'len'phak khen'en.”
2547“Can't say we're familiar with that phrase.”
2548“Don't believe we've encountered that saying before.”
2549“A rough translation would be: Sharp ears are best used with sharper tongues.”
2550“Doesn't sound Elven.”
2551“Is the phrase supposed to be ironic?”
2552“I apologize, a fair bit of the phrase's humour is lost in the translation.  I soon discovered that the book contained an entire chapter dedicated to noteworthy crimes and trials that had taken place in the area.  One such entry made mention of a Shandra Demorian who had been driven from the settlement under suspicion of dooming its population through exposure to a unknown summoned entity.  No actual description of the entity was provided, but the author did make mention that it was referred to with the word 'Traanigaaraal'.  That term actually exists in several languages, and in many it is used as a title of importance.  For instance: in Alko it mean 'One who answers',  in the tongue of the Dark Folk it means “Mentor”, and in some Undercommon dialects it means 'Hand that dispels mists'.  There are other meanings, but most of them pointed to a common definition: that this 'Traanigaaraal' was a being of great knowledge who was summoned to answer questions and provide advice.”
2553“Sounds like a helpful fellow.”
2554“A handy one to know.”
2555“Of course.  Upon reading how one of my then-unknown ancestors was capable of summoning such a creature I lost all interest in researching the phrase and set myself to work looking into both my genealogy and Traanigaaraal.  The search for family history quickly ran dry and there's actually little in terms of history regarding certain summonable beings, so I instead directed my efforts to looking into summoning rituals.”
2556“Looking to contact an involved party?”
2557“Must have been the only one with any information on your ancestor.”
2558“How astute of you.  As it turns out with the proper instructions, enough time, and the right quantities and quality of components, any person lacking in mystical ability (such as myself) is capable of performing a summoning ritual.  After a few years of failed attempts in the privacy of my home, I had managed to summon a shade of Traanigaaraal and had produced enough of an offering to buy three answers.  I first asked for a detailed history of the Demorian name (which I have already spoken of).  Second, I asked for the means to how I might acquire the magic once wielded by my ancestors.  The shade provided me with a detailed plan and a list of what I would required.”
2559“A very helpful being.”
2560“A very intelligent creature.”
2561“But that leaves one question.”
2562“Your third one, that is.”
2563“Oh, my third question was where I could find members of your kind.”
2564>If the Pushmi-Pullyu was already pale from being slowly drained, Demorian's words made them feel transparent.
2565>Writ-Wrot no longer feel the desire to humour their host.
2566>The old man (either from ignorance or indifference to his guest's change in mood) seems to have no qualms in continuing his side of the conversation.
2567“It turns out that there were more of your kind wandering about than you could imagine.”
2568>Writ makes note of his use of the past tense.
2569>Wrot wonders if the others were treated with as much cordiality as they had received.
2570“I've spent near eight decades travelling between the kingdoms meeting with stray remnants of my family line, staking claim to forgotten fortunes, building up my following, and tracking down the odd Pushmi-Pullyu.”
2571“Eight decades?”
2572“So long?”
2573“I'll admit to giving a fair amount of my newfound fortune to some 'less-than-respectable' characters in order to attain my prolonged lifespan, but it was all for a worthy cause.”
2574“How many?”
2575“The Pushmi-Pullyus?”
2576“Hard to recall.  Had to have been a little more than seven.”
2577>The number catches Writ-Wrot and holds him.
2578>Hearing it causes something cold to ensnare their hearts and give a squeeze.
2579>More than seven.
2580>More of their kind had been removed from this world than they had stories about them.
2581“If it's any consolation, I tried to make their deaths as quick and painless as possible at the time.”
2582>Writ-Wrot find no comfort in knowing that.
2583“And you are the most fortunate of any Pushmi-Pullyu that I have encountered thus far.  You are going to be the last one I use.  I am not only going to allow you to witness my next ritual, but you shall act as the final sacrifice needed to bind my target to this plane and place him under my command.”
2584“Why should we feel fortunate about that?”
2585“Do you think we want to meet this 'mentor' or yours?”
2586>Demorian gently sets his chair back on its four legs.
2587>He casts his gaze between the heads of the Pushmi-Pullyu.
2588“I'm not summoning Traanigaaaaraal.  I've already leaned everything I needed from him.  I'm summoning the oldest known, surviving progenitor of the Demorian name; the creator of my bloodline.”
2589“Good for you.”
2590“A family reunion.”
2591“Long awaited.”
2592“About time for it.”
2593“But what about us?”
2594“We have no interest in your long lost relation.”
2595“But you should.  Do you recall that story I told you yesterday?  About the mage who yearned for the power of the gods?  I'm his decedent.  I am trying to summon him; my ancestor and your creator.”
2596>Writ-Wrot don't respond.
2597>They don't know how to respond.
2598>A wry grin spreads across Demorian's lips.
2599“You are also of his blood, which is required for me to contact him through the ritual.  I guess in a way, we're related?  As I said, you are the most fortunate.”
2600...
2601>Standing in a stable looking at a man in red robes.
2602>The lantern hanging from a post doesn't provide the best light, but it provides enough for me to see how he's doing.
2603>He's still passed out.
2604>The only real difference between when I first saw him and now is that his hands have been tied to a post.
2605>He still hasn't woken.
2606>He's been unresponsive for almost three hours now.
2607>Did even make a noise when Barren-Bairn was carrying him.
2608>Either he's gone catatonic or he's putting in a fair amount of effort in faking it.
2609>Torae-Tori stand near the doors to the stable, keeping watch for anyone who might be an associate to this man.
2610>Barren-Bairn are kneeling by the man, gazing at him like how a young child gazes at a sleeping dog.
2611“Maybe we should give him a poke.”
2612“A good firm finger jab.
2613“Right in the ribs.”
2614“Or his kidney.”
2615“A light pat on the testes?”
2616“Sure to make him stir.”
2617“I don't think further violence would be the best way of waking him.”
2618“It's only light violence.”
2619“Hardly violent at all.”
2620“And nothing to his head.”
2621“Don't want to cause more harm.”
2622“He's faking it.”
2623“Has to be.”
2624“Doesn't matter.  I understand he's suspicious but we have no reason to assume ill intent.  Also, we don't need him waking up only to start screaming about how we're torturing him.”
2625“We should have gagged him.”
2626“Seems like the sensible thing to do.”
2627“The stable owner is already leery about us being here.  What would he think if he saw us gathered around a bound and gagged man in one of his stalls?”
2628“I'm sure he could be convinced to look the other way.”
2629“We've very charismatic.”
2630>The Pushmi-Pullyu grins in that mischievous way that I've become so familiar with.
2631>I know they're joking.
2632>But the joke doesn't mean they're unwilling to act on their words.
2633>It took a fair bit of convincing to get the stable owner to let us be here.
2634>Told him that the man was injured while trying to escape from his attacker and that we were here to help nurse him back to health and question him when he awakens.
2635>I didn't lie.
2636>The Lord of Light knows I didn't lie.
2637>He does not allow me to lie.
2638>I can only hope that the  Lord of Light is forgiving enough to permit me to hide the truth.
2639>Hopefully this man will wake up, not cause much of a fuss, and be willing to answer our questions.
2640>I have my doubts that he will do any of those things, but I'm trying to remain optimistic.
2641>If he doesn't give me any answers I'll have no choice but to turn to Demorian.
2642>At this point, I'm half tempted to grab Torae-Tori and march over to his mansion right now.
2643>I wouldn't even bother doing him the service of knocking on his door.
2644>The only thing preventing me from doing is is my lack of knowledge.
2645>Leiwf'wa is the only one who might know anything.
2646>I'll visit her early tomorrow.
2647>She should be well rested by then.
2648“Ivor!”
2649“Barren-Bairn!”
2650“Come here!”
2651“Hurry!”
2652“You need to see this!”
2653“Something is happening!”
2654>Torae-Tori yell from the front door.
2655>Barren-Bairn rise and trot away.
2656>Look back to the man.
2657>Still not moving.
2658>He's bound fairly well.
2659>Should be okay.
2660>Run to the others.
2661>The sky is dark but the stars cannot be seen.
2662>Torae points to an glowing orange light above the rooftops.
2663>The light seems to waver in intensity, but seems to be growing.
2664>A trace scent of smoke catches in my nose.
2665>Barren-Bairn seem confused by what they're witnessing.
2666“A fire?”
2667“Looks like it.”
2668“Bonfire?”
2669“A celebration?”
2670“A festival?”
2671“That would be nice.”
2672“I have my doubts.  They'd have to be burning a whole lot of wood to produce that much light.  Something must have caught fire that contains a fair amount of fuel.  A distillery maybe?”
2673>Tori taps me on the shoulder.
2674>She looks concerned.
2675“Ivor, look at the direction.”
2676“Didn't we come from that part of the town?”
2677>Lord of Light save us.
2678>The Library.
2679>Torae-Tori must have noticed a change in my expression.
2680>They're both looking like they're ready to run.
2681>Look back to the stall where we've tied up the man.
2682>Decision time.
2683“Torae-Tori.”
2684“Yes?”
2685“What is it?”
2686“Go back to the stall, tie up his feet, gag him, and make sure he doesn't move.  Barren-Bairn and I are going to investigate that fire.”
2687“No.”
2688“We're going.”
2689“Someone has to stay here and watch him.  We don't know if he has friends still in town who might try to rescue him.”
2690“Leiwf'wa is our friend.”
2691“We need to know if she's in danger.”
2692“We don't even know if the fire is even near her!  For all we know it could be a storehouse that's burning.”
2693“We're going.”
2694“You don't get a say in this.”
2695>They scowl at me.
2696>I don't think I've ever seen them like this.
2697>I can't argue against her.
2698>She's right.
2699>I don't get a say.
2700>I probably never did have a say.
2701>Feels like something is burrowing into my stomach.
2702>Look to Barren-Bairn.
2703>They both shake their heads.
2704“This is getting a little too exciting for us to stay here.”
2705“You already know how stubborn our kind can be.”
2706>Look down at the stones by my feet.
2707>Have no where else to look.
2708“We can't leave him here alone.
2709“We can.”
2710“We'll tie his feet and gag him.”
2711“He won't move.”
2712“He'll be here when we get back.”
2713“And what if he escapes?  What if he has a partner who comes by to cut him free and they run off into the night?  What then?”
2714“So what?”
2715“It won't make a difference.”
2716“We know exactly where he would run to.”
2717“He can run, but not escape.”
2718>They're right.
2719>In the end it won't make a difference.
2720>All roads lead back to Demorian.
2721>A strange bit of fate has been woven for us.
2722>May the Lord of Light illuminate my path.
2723>Look to Torae-Tori.
2724>Give them a nod.
2725“I'll tie his feet.  You and Barren-Bairn go to the library and check of Leiwf'wa.  I catch up with you as soon as I'm done here.”
2726>Torae-Tori give a nod.
2727>The Pushmi-Pullyus bound through the door, doing a hopping-gallop as they make their way down the street.
2728>May the Lord of Light bring them back to me unharmed.
2729>I may have been asking a little bit too much of Solom as of late.
2730>But who else can I turn to?
2731...
2732>Leiwf'wa groans and gives her eyes a rub.
2733>She shrugs the blanket from her shoulders.
2734>Gives the back of her neck a small massage.
2735>Groans in response to the slight aching in her head.
2736>She drank too much.
2737>She knows she drank to much.
2738>She knew that this would happen as soon as she put the bottle to her lips.
2739>But Barren-Bairn spoke to her.
2740>They might not have been the best conversation partners, but at least they were willing to talk.
2741>She's thirsty.
2742>There should be some water in a skin somewhere by her desk.
2743>Leiwf'wa considers hunting the Pushmi-Pullyu down again to continue their little chat.
2744>Maybe Torae-Tori and Ivor will be with them.
2745>Wait.
2746>There was that thing that she needed to look up for Ivor.
2747>What was it again?
2748>Demorian!
2749>Leiwf'wa's eyes shoot open.
2750>She bounces straight from the top of her stool to being on all fours on the floor.
2751>Where's the book?
2752>It was down here yesterday.
2753>Couldn't have gone far.
2754>A acrid scent catches in her nose.
2755>For a moment she wonders what it could be.
2756>Probably doesn't matter.
2757>The book is all that matters now.
2758>Realizes that she's fumbling around in the dark.
2759>Wonders what time it is.
2760>Gives her hands a quick clap.
2761>The orbs above her begin glowing.
2762>She can see the floor.
2763>Sees the book beneath her desk.
2764>Leiwf'wa grabs the book, brushes the dust from its cover, and holds it tight as she slowly rises to her feet.
2765>The smell has grown stronger.
2766>It burns at her nostrils.
2767>The air seems heavier.
2768>She takes a quick look around.
2769>Seems to be a bit of a haze in the room.
2770>Sees the front door.
2771>Parts of the door are glowing hot.
2772>Embers and sparks slough off of the wood and float away into the library.
2773>Her door's on fire.
2774>This can't be good.
2775>Looks around her desk.
2776>Finds the waterskin.
2777>It's not full.
2778>Doesn't matter.
2779>Leiwf'wa runs to the front door and opens the skin.
2780>Pours water onto the books and floor surrounding the front door.
2781>Grimaces as she does so.
2782>Might buy her some time.
2783>She needs to get out.
2784>No windows on the ground floor.
2785>One of the reasons she bought this building.
2786>Only windows are on the second floor.
2787>In the bedroom, office, and at the ends of the hall.
2788>All of which are packed floor to ceiling in books.
2789>Look back to the door.
2790>Flames are beginning to seep through.
2791>No time for debate.
2792>She grabs a floating orb.
2793>The elf strides from her desk to the stairs as quickly as her old legs will carry her.
2794>Look back.
2795>Watches as a large ember floats beyond the damp floorboards and lands on the cover of a book on her desk.
2796>A thin line white smoke begins to rise from the cloth cover.
2797>Leiwf'wa turns back and rushes her way up the stairs.
2798>No time to watch her life burn down around her.
2799>She has to find a way out.
2800>Reaches the top of the stairs.
2801>clambers onto the books she layered on the floor.
2802>Office doorway hasn't even been uncovered.
2803>Bedroom door is visible, but the room is still full.
2804>She figures that the hallway window is the best option.
2805>Stuffs the book in her hands down the front of her blouse.
2806>She needs both hands for this.
2807>Begins pulling from the wall of books and throws them towards the stairs.
2808>Part of the stack topples, she sweeps them aside with her arms.
2809>No time for clearing a proper path.
2810>Climbs up the pile of fallen books and begins crawling her way towards the window.
2811>Digs through the books.
2812>It's becoming hard to breath.
2813>Smoke is filling the upstairs floor.
2814>Leiwf'wa rips a portion of her skirt away and ties it over her mouth and nose.
2815>Remembers her blue dress in a chest downstairs.
2816>Gives her head a shake.
2817>Turns back to books between her and the window.
2818>There's no time.
2819>The dig continues.
2820>She briefly wonders if this is what life is like for a dwarf?
2821>Recalls the fire.
2822>Digs faster.
2823>Pulls away another book.
2824>Sees the glint of light on glass.
2825>It's the window.
2826>Feels an eruption of heat behind her.
2827>Looks back.
2828>Fire.
2829>The fire has reached the top of the stairs.
2830>She's just reached the window.
2831>She still has to find a way to open it.
2832>A thought occurs to her.
2833>She's on the second floor.
2834>She isn't young anymore.
2835>Would she survive the fall?
2836>runs a hand over the books between her and the window.
2837>Old hardcovers.
2838>The kind that used a thin wooden sheet wrapped in cloth or leather.
2839>Liewf'wa gets an idea.
2840>Turns around and lies on her back.
2841>Kicks the books against the window.
2842>Hears a crack.
2843>Kicks again.
2844>Notices the small portion of glass she can see has developed a thin crack.
2845>Keeps kicking.
2846>The window gives way.
2847>The books follow the glass into the alleyway.
2848>Liewf'wa begins throwing books through the window.
2849>Sweeping through as many as she can.
2850>The heat from the fire singes the tips of her long hair.
2851>Her eyes burn with the smoke and sweat.
2852>The air catches in her throat, forcing her to cough.
2853>She can't stop.
2854>She sends more books through the window.
2855>Her head feels light.
2856>Her eyes are having difficulty focusing on anything.
2857>It's now or never.
2858>Launches herself through the window.
2859>Not so much a graceful leap but a clumsy fall.
2860>Cuts on her arms and legs from the broken glass still in the frame.
2861>The night air feels cool.
2862>It gives her a shock and causes her lungs to shudder.
2863>The fall doesn't take long.
2864>She doesn't land well.
2865>Lands better than she would have on the bare stones and dirt.
2866>Hits the books hard.
2867>Leiwf'wa can't tell if anything's broken or damaged.
2868>Everything hurts.
2869>Both inside and outside.
2870>She can't bring herself to move.
2871>The books beneath her actually feel a little comfortable.
2872>Her vision begins to fade.
2873>Glances down the alley.
2874>Blurry shapes moving about in the dark.
2875>Something's moving towards her.
2876“Leiwf'wa!”
2877>Sound of two voices speaking at the same time.
2878>Sounds familiar.
2879>Darkness comes.
2880>The old elf lets her body go limp.
2881...
2882>Next morning.
2883>A ground floor room of a modest inn.
2884>Slivers of morning light filter through the closed shutters, preventing the room from being completely dark.
2885>Leiwf'wa lies on the bed, covered in a loose sheet.
2886>Her burned and torn clothes sit in a waste basket.
2887>A book she was carrying sits on the bedside table.
2888>Torae-Tori kneel on the floor by the bed
2889>A basin filled with warm water sits nearby.
2890>Tori finishes wiping away the soot on the elf's feet
2891>Torae run a comb though the parts of Leiwf'wa's hair she can reach, catching and breaking off the singed and damaged strands.
2892>They haven't slept.
2893>How could they?
2894>They went with Barren-Bairn to the library only to find the front of the building engulfed in flames.
2895>It was Torae who saw the books being thrown into the alley.
2896>Tori carried the elf to the inn.
2897>Ivor performed some healing, but he was afraid it wasn't enough.
2898>Leiwf'wa was stable, but not okay.
2899>The rest of the night was rather tense.
2900>Ivor eventually passed out in a chair.
2901>Barren-Bairn spoke about 'not feeling comfortable', so they left.
2902>Torae-Tori refused  to leave the bedside.
2903>Ivor woke well past the dawn and brought them a late breakfast.
2904>Their plates sit on the thin table by the window, the food now cold.
2905>He left to go to the market.
2906>Said he was going to look for some ointments, more bandages, and some other stuff.
2907>Torae-Tori weren't exactly listening.
2908>Torae looks down at Leiwf'wa's face.
2909>The elf looks old.
2910>Silently lying in bed.
2911>Not cracking wise.
2912>Not going off on a tangent.
2913>Not bouncing off her heels and clapping her hands.
2914>Not casting dark glances to some pitiful barkeep.
2915>Not gushing about some book.
2916>Not complaining about a glass of wine.
2917>Not doing anything.
2918>Leiwf'wa looks her age.
2919>Old.
2920>Torae doesn't like it.
2921>Torae sets the comb gently on the bed.
2922>Torae can't stop the tears from coming.
2923>Tori senses her other half cracking.
2924“She'll be fine.”
2925“I know.”
2926“Ivor should be back soon.”
2927“He should.”
2928“We should eat.”
2929“I don't feel like it.”
2930“Me neither, but we should.”
2931“Shut up.”
2932“Ivor would tell us off for not eating.”
2933“Shut up.”
2934>Tori sees no sense in responding.
2935>She wants to cry as well, but doesn't.
2936>Torae can do the crying for the both of them.
2937>There's a light knocking at the door.
2938>Tori looks to Torae.
2939>She's a little busy sobbing.
2940>Tori looks back to the door.
2941“Come in.”
2942>Barren-Bairn stride in.
2943>The room is an awkward fit for the two Pushmi-Pullyus, but there's enough room for Barren-Bairn to stand by the door.
2944“Where's the cleric?”
2945“We expected Ivor to be here.”
2946“He's at the market.”
2947>Torae doesn't speak.
2948>Tori does for her.
2949“He should return soon.”
2950“Oh.”
2951“Okay.”
2952“We can wait.”
2953“Nothing better to do.”
2954>The talking comes to an end.
2955>Eventually, so does Torae's crying.
2956>A silence takes over the room.
2957>It weighs heavy upon the two Pushmi-Pullyus
2958>Neither of them hold much tolerance for prolonged silence.
2959>Every passing second feels like an hour spent trapped inside their own heads.
2960>The situation would be maddening if it weren't so depressing.
2961>It's Barren-Bairn who build up the nerve to break it.
2962“How is she?”
2963“The elf?”
2964“Leiwf'wa will be fine.”
2965“She'll get through this.”
2966“She hasn't stirred.”
2967“She's not responding.”
2968“But she's breathing well.”
2969“No coughing, no labouring.”
2970>Barren-Bairn shift their weight.
2971“That's good.”
2972“That's fine.”
2973>Tori drops the rag back into the wash basin.
2974>Torae look up to Barren-Bairn.
2975“Something's been bothering me.”
2976“We have a concern.”
2977“I have a question for you.”
2978“We've been meaning to ask.”
2979“Do you mind?”
2980“Any problem?”
2981>Barren-Bairn crosses their arms and gazes back.
2982“Feel free.”
2983“We've nothing to hide.”
2984>Tori joins Torae in meeting Barren-Bairn's eyes.
2985“Leiwf'wa has a name.”
2986“But you never use it.”
2987“It's always 'the elf'.”
2988“You called her 'knife-eared'.”
2989“Why do you insist on this?”
2990“Why won't you use her name?”
2991>Barren-Bairn heave a heavy and deep sigh.
2992>They close their eyes for a moment to gather their thoughts before answering.
2993“Because she isn't deserving of such.”
2994“Names are for those worthy of respect.”
2995“She has not proven herself worthy.”
2996“So we refuse her name.”
2997“We have good reason.”
2998“You know our story.”
2999“Her kind killed our greatest friend.”
3000“It was elves who murdered our Lord Dulsfur.”
3001“How do you think we should respond?”
3002“Why should we be so generous to her?”
3003>Torae-Tori look back to the elf on the bed.
3004“Leiwf'wa is not a Drow.”
3005“She did not kill your friend.”
3006>Barren-Bairn clench their fists.
3007“Drow are elves.”
3008“And she is an elf.”
3009“They are one and the same.”
3010“Different hands, same blood.”
3011>Torae-Tori look to each other.
3012>Tori bites her lip.
3013>Torae nods her head.
3014>They both turn back to face Barren-Bairn
3015“When we first met Leiwf'wa she greeted us in tears.”
3016“She fell to her knees and cried at the sight of us.”
3017“She later told us a story.”
3018“A horrible tale.”
3019“She told us of a man who was driven by ancient legends to perform an unspeakable deed.”
3020“Only to have his years of effort result in nothing but his own death and endless sadness for his family.”
3021“The man from the story was her brother.”
3022“He believed that Pushmi-Pullyus were creatures of divinity.”
3023“So when his love fell ill he went searching for one to provide a cure.”
3024“And when he did find one, he slew them and collected their blood in a bottle.”
3025>Barren-Bairn step back towards the door.
3026>Their faces redden.
3027“That only proves the point!”
3028“They're all the same!”
3029“Killers!”
3030“Plotters!”
3031“Deserving of nothing more than blade to their throats!”
3032“Names are wasted on their kind!”
3033>Torae-Tori do not flinch.
3034“Her brother may have been a killer.”
3035“He slew one of our own for a lie.”
3036“But she saw his error.”
3037“She begged our forgiveness.”
3038“The blood of our kind is on his hands.”
3039“She wanted nothing more than to absolve him.”
3040“Her brother has sinned against our kind.”
3041“But we're still here.”
3042“And we'll stay here.”
3043“What do you think that says about us?”
3044>Barren-Bairn grimace.
3045“It says you're fools.”
3046“You disgust us.”
3047>Torae-Tori smile weakly.
3048“You might be right about that.”
3049“We've done our share of foolishness.”
3050“Ivor's seen enough of it.”
3051“Ivor's suffered enough of it.”
3052“But what about you?”
3053“You're not free from judgment.”
3054“Her ancestor wrote a poem.”
3055“A poem likely carried by her brother.”
3056“A poem shared from mouth to ear.”
3057“Until it was finally heard by you.”
3058“For you to eagerly share with those around you.”
3059“It became quite dear to you, didn't it?”
3060“This poem, written by an elf?”
3061“Carried by a 'killer'?”
3062“And what are you going to do now that you know its origin?”
3063“Will you try to forget about it?”
3064“Slough it off and move on?”
3065“Will you seek vengeance for your shame?”
3066“A foolish plight if I've every heard one.”
3067“A goal for the truly stupid.”
3068“Or will you accept that you're in error?”
3069“That the ones you hate may not be so deserving of your scorn?”
3070>Barren grits his teeth.
3071>Bairn's breath is so heavy it can be heard from across the room.
3072>Torae-Tori look back to their friend on the bed.
3073“We remember your story.”
3074“You have our sympathy.”
3075“But your tale isn't good enough to justify your hate.”
3076“You found Lord Dulsfur's killers and you had your vengeance.”
3077“Wasn't that enough?”
3078“Sounds like it was enough.”
3079“Your hate for our friend is unfounded and pointless.”
3080“Stubborn and single-minded”
3081“Just like a dwarf.”
3082“Besides, what would your friend think of you?”
3083“Which story do you think he'd prefer?”
3084“How Barren-Bairn travelled the world hating elves?”
3085“Or how his 'Buldairn'a' brought an end to mighty foes?”
3086“Because if you're looking for a powerful enemy to hate, you won't find it here.”
3087“All that stands before you is one of your kin and an old elf.”
3088“What kind of tale do you think you're weaving right now?”
3089>Bairn manages to unwrap one of his fists enough to grip the handle of a hand axe.
3090>Barren shuts his eyes and considers kicking through the door.
3091>Tori pulls the covers of the bed over Leiwf'wa's feet.
3092>Torae gently runs her fingers through the elf's hair.
3093>Torae-Tori know that they're in no position to fight back if Barren-Bairn decide to start one.
3094>But they trust the other Pushmi-Pullyu to have enough sense not to.
3095>A knock at the door.
3096>Barren-Bairn quickly pull the door open and barge into the hall.
3097>They hardly notice Ivor before them.
3098>They shove the cleric to the side and leave without a word.
3099>Ivor blinks at the furious Pushmi-Pullyu.
3100>He gathers himself, check the bag in his hands, and enters the room, gently closing the door behind him.
3101“Did I miss something?”
3102>Tori looks up to Ivor.
3103>Torae keeps her eyes locked on Leiwf'wa.
3104“Just a minor disagreement.”
3105“Nothing to worry about.”
3106“Nothing to worry about?  Barren-Bairn look like they're going to either drink down an entire distillery or hire a wizard to summon a golem just so they can fight it.”
3107“We might have hurt his pride.”
3108“Pointed out a few of his character flaws.”
3109“He didn't take it well.”
3110“Rather childish really.”
3111“But he'll be fine.”
3112“He's not stupid.”
3113“Maybe a little stupid.”
3114“But he'll think this one through.”
3115“He probably just needs to get a little drunk.”
3116“He's so much like a dwarf.”
3117“Isn't he though?”
3118“One of his attractive charms, I guess.”
3119>A thin smile passes over their lips.
3120>Ivor gives his shoulders a slight shrug.
3121>He sets the bag at the foot of the bed and gives the elf a quick look-over.
3122“How's she doing?”
3123“'She would be doing much better if people would be quiet and let her sleep.”
3124>Torae-Tori and Ivor look at Leiwf'wa with their eyes wide open.
3125>Her eyes are still closed but her voice was as firm as it always had been.
3126>Leiwf'wa turns her head on her pillow.
3127>She opens her eyes and gazes at Torae.
3128“I appreciate you waiting for the boys to be gone before stripping me bare and bathing me, but next time you decide mess with my hair be sure to not use one of those terrible metal combs.  I'd greatly prefer if you used a good brush; boar bristle would be the best.”
3129>Torae-Tori bury their faces in the sheets of the bed.
3130>They can't stand to let both Ivor and Leiwf'wa see them cry.
3131>Ivor can't help but show his surprise.
3132“How long have you been awake?”
3133>The old elf smiles and looks to Ivor.
3134“Long enough to know when to show it, Brother.  Well, don't just stand there.  Get over here and help me sit up.  Is my book here?  You better have a nice shirt in that bag for me, or else I'm sending you straight back out to the market.”
3135...
3136>Writ-Wrot feel the hands on their back.
3137>They force their eyes open and look about.
3138>The lights are on.
3139>Writ notices that he no longer feels the sharp pain.
3140>Wrot lifts his head and sees the bandage affixed to their midsection.
3141>They're surrounded by men in robes.
3142“Again I must apologize for the sudden waking, but I come with great news.”
3143>Demorian's voice is heard but Writ-Wrot can't see him.
3144>He must be behind the robed men.
3145“A while ago, you've managed to fill the third cask!  Congratulations, and many thanks for your hard work.”
3146>Writ can't tell if Demorian is being sarcastic.
3147>Wrot is wondering what will happen now that they've fulfilled their purpose.
3148“When I received word that you were done, I had you bandaged up and allowed you a moment to heal.”
3149>Writ would have given a word of thanks.
3150>Wrot would have asked for a moment longer.
3151>Unfortunately, their gags are still in place.
3152“My men have returned from their visit to Dunholn.  You're friend, Brother Ivor, appears to be a little more interesting than I first believed.  Travelling with two Pushmi-Pullyus!  If I had known earlier I would have invited them both over to ease your burden.  But oh well, we can't go regretting that which we didn't know.  Unfortunately, it appears as though your friends are a touch suspicious of me and my men may have given them a good reason to be angry as well.  I'm expecting them to pay us a visit soon enough.  As a result we're going to have to push the schedule ahead by a fair amount.”
3153>Wrot wonders what the old man could have done to make Ivor and the others angry.
3154>Writ is taken aback.
3155>Two Pushmi-Pullyus?
3156“My men will now unbind your legs so you may stand.  However, we are going to keep your hands restrained and your gags in place; don't want you doing anything unnecessary.  All you need to do is stand and follow my men down the hall to my ceremonial chamber.  Please, do be careful standing up; you've been bleeding and lying on your side for almost three days, you'll probably feel a little weak.”
3157>Writ-Wrot feel several sets of hands grip their legs and pull them towards the edge of the bed.
3158>Writ hopes that it's a long ritual.
3159>Wrot wonders how long the hallway is.
3160“I'd be quite excited if I were you,  it's not every day you are given the opportunity to meet your maker.”
3161...
3162“I knew there was something strange about this 'Demorian' fellow!  I told you!”
3163>It didn't take long for Leiwf'wa to return to her old self.
3164>Not that I was expecting a prolonged recovery.
3165>She's sitting upright in the bed, a book splayed across her lap, talking away.
3166>I'd almost swear that she didn't escape from a burning building hours earlier.
3167>Thank the Lord of Light for his blessings.
3168>I stand by the head of the bed, leaning over and trying and read over Leiwf'wa's shoulder.
3169>Torae-Tori are on the floor, eating their cold breakfasts.
3170>They'll probably be asking for lunch soon.
3171>Can't blame them.
3172“What about him?”
3173“I only knew one Demorian in my past.  You remember me saying that?”
3174“Yes, but you said he died.”
3175“He did!  Long before I established my library.  I didn't even meet him in this town; I met him while I was in the north.  He was a very pleasant fellow; husband to the dressmaker I was so taken with.  Was a rather well-off landowner due to a series of smart investments made by his grandfather.  I was impressed with his collection of etchings (both artistic and historic).  He kept them bound and flat in a series of massive tomes that he had locked away in a special room built into his cellar.  You weren't allowed to carry a candle or lantern in due to his fear of having the entire room catch fire!  He was modest, but quite well-to-do.”
3176“Leiwf'wa, I don't think we have the time for this.”
3177>She looks up to me.
3178>She doesn't seem happy with my interruption.
3179“I'm concerned that time is of the essence for us.”
3180>She gives her head a small shake.
3181“Everything I say has some importance, Ivor.  Just because I use many words doesn't mean that I go wasting them needlessly.”
3182>She looks back down to the book.
3183>I clench my fist.
3184>There's too much that I want to say to her, but I know there's nothing I can say that can convince her.
3185>Leiwf'wa brushes some stray hairs from her face.
3186“I understand your urgency, but nothing good has ever come from being in a hurry.  However, for your sake, I'll try to keep the tangents to a minimum.”
3187>I'll take that.
3188>I guess there are times when the best thing to say is nothing at all.
3189>Thank the Lord of Light for holding my tongue.
3190“Now (as I was saying), I was quite taken with this Demorian from the north, so I kept in frequent contact with him via letters.  We were very good friends, so our correspondence was quite lengthy.  In the his last message to me, he spoke of how he was expecting a visit from a distant relation.  After that his letters ended completely, not one word since.  Naturally, I feared the worst.”
3191“Nothing suspicious about that.”
3192“On the face of it, no, but I sent a message of condolence to his wife which was also not responded to.  I thought that she might have moved away to be with other family, so I sent a message to their local council in order to see if they could provide me with any information on her whereabouts.  They responded to me by saying that both Demorian and his wife had passed.”
3193“I apologize for sounding callous, but there is nothing strange about married couples naturally dying near the same time.”
3194>Leiwf'wa looks up to me.
3195>Her lips are pursed in a tight, serious expression, but her eyes are wide with excitement.
3196“I would also say the same, but it wasn't their deaths that caught my attention.  The message from the council that I had received stated that in the weeks following the deaths of Demorian and his wife, a man approached the council, provided proof that he was Demorian's closest relation and laid claim to his lands and belongings.  The documents he provided were seen as legitimate, so the council relented.  Over the course of the following season, the man sold all of Demorian's properties and left the area.”
3197“So you hit a dead end.”
3198“Far from it!  The Council instead told me to contact this newfound relation, and can you guess where they told me his primary residence was located?”
3199>I could venture a guess, but I'd rather keep the guessing games to a minimum.
3200“Where?”
3201“You're no fun.  I invite you to join me in the thrill of uncovering a mystery and you decide to simply stand there and shrug your shoulders.  You should really work on that, Ivor; lacking a sense of wonder is rather unattractive.”
3202>Still finding moments to jab at me?
3203>Must be a sign of good health.
3204“They told me he resided in Dunholn!  At the time I was visiting Musquov in the east.  It was little more than a weeks journey by hired cart, so I decided to make the trip myself to see the man personally.  Upon my arrival I asked around about a local man by the name of 'Demorian' only to be told that no one by that name lived in the area.  So I paid a visit to the council, who then directed me to an archivist and record keeper.  It took a fair amount of time rooting though the records, but I eventually found what I needed.  A Demorian used to live in town, but had left a almost a decade earlier than my arrival.  Doing a little further digging revealed another interesting fact: this person wasn't always a 'Demorian'!  They used to be named 'Jarnnhel'!”
3205>Leiwf'wa looks back to the book in her lap and places a finger on a page.
3206>I still can't read what she's pointing at.
3207>Fortunately I don't have to.
3208“This book is a record of old council meetings from a over a decade before I came to Dunholn .  I held onto it for the longest time in the event I ever actually got the opportunity to face this man, planning to use it as evidence against him for being a fraud and a murderer.  I decided to stay in Dunholn, thinking he would eventually return here (I just didn't think he would take this long coming back).  Many years ago I thought he had died naturally, so I put the book away and put the whole affair out of my mind.”
3209>Torae-Tori stack their plates on the floor and rise.
3210>They take a moment to stretch their legs.
3211>Don't know how long they've been down there.
3212“So what does the book say then?”
3213“What was your evidence against them?”
3214“There's a series of entries in this book that mention a 'Jarnnhel' and him petitioning the council to allow him to claim the name 'Demorian'.  Apparently he had found a series of documents and an old family tree which listed one of his great-grandmothers as being a Demorian who married into the Jarnnhel line, then subsequently changed her name to that of her husbands.  Jarnnhel provided enough documents to prove his legitimacy, and since his great-grandmother was the only listed Demorian to have lived in the area, all of her possessions had been passed into the Jarnnhel line and were therefore already his, so they saw no issue in allowing him to change his name.”
3215“So what about the Demorian we're now against?  If this was so long ago then we might not be facing the same man.”
3216“If that is the case, we should still be worried because as far as we can tell he has the same wealth and influence that his forebear wielded.  However, if it is the same man then we should be doubly worried; for he had managed to acquire the means of extending his life by more years than I care to imagine.”
3217>I allow that last statement to mull around in my head for a moment.
3218>I don't like it.
3219>Either we're facing off against some upstart who's decided to carry on his relative's misguided quest, or a human as old as an elf with enough men and money at his disposal to get whatever he wants.
3220>May the Lord of Light cast away my worries.
3221>This is not going to be a pleasant encounter.
3222>So much for my lofty idea of knocking on his front door, sitting down over a cup of tea, asking a few questions, and sharing some humorous anecdotes.
3223“Either way, it doesn't matter.”
3224“Both paths will end the same way.”
3225“Demorian will pay for his actions.”
3226“Be it through begging forgiveness or his blood.”
3227“I think that sounds like a plan.”
3228“It seems like a good one.”
3229“Ivor?”
3230“Leiwf'wa?”
3231>I turn to Leiwf'wa.
3232>She raises her hands in a gesture of refusal.
3233“Don't look at me.  This bed is probably going to be my home for a good while.  It's been so long since I've slept lying down that I've forgotten how nice it is.  I'll leave this matter to you younger folks; I'll only slow you down.”
3234“Are you sure about that?”
3235“This is a good opportunity for you.”
3236“Take vengeance for your friends.”
3237“Punish him for destroying your library.”
3238>Lewif'wa closes the book on her lap and gives the cover a gentle stroke.
3239>She looks downwards.
3240>I can't see her face.
3241“Fighting this man will not return to me either of those things.  If I join in this fight and I die, then all I'll have lost is my life.  If we win, then I'll still be down my friends and my home.  I'll get the same result if I stay here.”
3242“Leiwf'wa.”
3243“Please.”
3244“I'm old.  Leave it at that.  It's all up to you.”
3245>Can't say that I'm happy with that answer.
3246>Probably for the best.
3247>But still a touch disappointing.
3248>I look back to Torae-Tori.
3249“Maybe we should bring Barren-Bairn?  I think he might be useful in a fight.”
3250“True.”
3251“Quite right.”
3252“He's probably in the mood to hit something.”
3253“Violence can be cathartic.”
3254“Might help him calm down.”
3255“We should invite him.”
3256“Alright then.  Do you know where he might have gone off to?”
3257>Torae-Tori look at me as if I'm forgotten something important.
3258“Do you even need to ask that question?”
3259“He used to live with dwarves.”
3260“It's only logical where he should be.”
3261“He'll be easy to find.
3262>Give my head a nod.
3263“Go on and find him then.  I'll meet you at the west gate.”
3264>Torae-Tori nod their heads and make their way out of the room.
3265>Look back to Leiwf'wa.
3266>She doesn't move.
3267“This room's been paid for the next three nights; take your time recovering.  I'll leave some money with the keeper so he'll bring you some warm food.  Drink plenty of water and don't do anything too strenuous.  Try to get some sleep; that will do you the most good.”
3268“You're talking like I'll never see you again.”
3269“I guess it's better than trying to pretend that we'll come back without a scratch.”
3270“The Lord of Light isn't fond of his followers pretending?”
3271“He casts such darkness from my mind.”
3272“Solom isn't a very comforting god, isn't he?”
3273“Maybe, but I do find comfort in him.”
3274“There's a good bit of difference between 'finding comfort' and 'finding support', Ivor.  I'll leave it to you to figure that out.”
3275>I can't help but smile.
3276>I hate to imagine what that fire almost robbed this world of.
3277“If we don't return by tomorrow afternoon, you should make the local lord or council aware of Demorian and the danger he presents.”
3278“I can do that, but in exchange you have to do me a favour.”
3279“And that would be?”
3280>Leiwf'wa looks up to me.
3281>Her eyes are wet.
3282>She's been holding her tears in rather well.
3283“Bring them back.  Torae-Tori, Barren-Bairn, Writ-Wrot if he's there.  Bring all of them back.  If I find a single scratch on any of them, then I will do everything in my power to make you regret every second of your short life.  Don't think I can't do it.  I might be old, but I still have enough time on my hands to personally ensure that you don't spend another sliver of your life free from embarrassment and humiliation.”
3284>My smile grows.
3285>If she feel up to making such threats she must be feeling better.
3286“I can't imagine the Lord of Light permitting me any other option.”
3287...
3288“This 'Demorian' fellow had better be worth our time.”
3289“We were quite content at that tavern.”
3290“Plenty of ale.”
3291“A quiet table.”
3292“You're lucky we're so forgiving.”
3293“Especially around those who pay for our drinks.”
3294>Barren-Bairn have not allowed for a moment of silence since leaving Dunholn.
3295>Torae-Tori walk alongside them.
3296>Ivor walks a good distance ahead of the two Pushmi-Pullyus.
3297>Torae-Tori asked him to do so.
3298>There are some things they can only talk about without him around.
3299>There are more things that they can only talk about with their own kind.
3300>There's even more than they can only speak of to themselves.
3301>They just have wait for the moment when Barren-Bairn is a little more receptive to having a conversation.
3302>They've been waiting three hours for that moment.
3303>There's still five more hours until they reach Demorian's mansion.
3304>They've got time.
3305“It's good to see you in fighting spirit.”
3306“Your motivation is encouraging.”
3307>Barren turns to face Torae-Tori.
3308>Bairn keeps his eyes on the road ahead.
3309“You're damn right we're motivated!”
3310“We've got to put in the effort to cover for that damn elf!”
3311“Going and getting herself bedridden like that.”
3312“Can't handle a little smoke and a fall.”
3313“Most likely making excuses to cover for her cowardice.”
3314“Wouldn't put it beyond her kind.”
3315>Torae-Tori can't help but notice a hint of sarcasm in Barren-Bairn voices.
3316“Leiwf'wa can't help it if she's infirm.”
3317“She did her part by providing some information on our enemy.”
3318“I'm sure she would have joined us if she could.”
3319“She didn't seem happy in that bed.”
3320>Bairn gives a quick grunt.
3321>Barren releases a snort.
3322“Doesn't matter if she's happy or not.”
3323“We're the ones marching into battle.”
3324“Then again, we're only here because you asked.”
3325“The elf has nothing to do with our motivations.”
3326“She should show us some proper respect and gratitude upon our return.”
3327“After all, we could all die at the hands of this strange man.”
3328“At least we'll die fighting.”
3329“Spitting blood, axes in hands.”
3330“A good way to go.”
3331“A fitting end.”
3332>Barren-Bairn go quiet.
3333>Torae-Tori don't quite know what to make of it.
3334>They appreciate that Barren-Bairn seem to have lost a bit of their temper.
3335>They don't appear to be carrying a grudge.
3336>They also haven't used the phrase 'knife-eared' or 'twig-eater' when referring to Leiwf'wa.
3337>Barren gives his jaw a clench
3338>Bairn lowers his gaze.
3339“We know what you must be thinking.”
3340“There's a good reason you asked the cleric to walk ahead.”
3341“We have something we will say on the matter.”
3342“And it is all we are going to say.”
3343“We'll keep it short”
3344“There's better things to talk about.”
3345“We've done some thinking.”
3346“Over several drinks.”
3347“Maybe more drinks than thoughts.”
3348“That tavern had some proper ale.”
3349“We'll take you there when we finish this errand.”
3350“You'll like it.”
3351“However, our thoughts are our own.”
3352“We would appreciate you not to pry into them.”
3353“But we know you are a friend.”
3354“So we considered your words.”
3355“Our Lord is most important to us.”
3356“Our greatest friend.”
3357“We cannot forget his death.”
3358“Nor those who brought about his end.”
3359“We acknowledge that Leiwf'wa is not a Drow.”
3360“She is not one with the kind who killed our Lord.”
3361“But she is still an elf.”
3362“And there a things about elves that we cannot abide.”
3363“Nor will ever tolerate.”
3364“But she is your friend.”
3365“She is very dear to you.”
3366“That is easy to see.”
3367“So we will try to be lenient towards her.”
3368“We cannot promise civility.”
3369“And you shouldn't ask for anything more from us.”
3370“End of conversation.”
3371“If you don't mind, we're beginning to feel sober.”
3372“We don't like this feeling.”
3373“So we'd appreciate you avoiding the topic of elves.”
3374“We need a proper distraction.”
3375>Torae-Tori don't respond immediately.
3376>They take their time to process what they had just witnessed.
3377>Barren-Bairn said Leiwf'wa's name.
3378>A thought passes through the two heads of the Pushmi-Pullyu.
3379>'Maybe there is hope for some folks?'
3380>Torae-Tori grin.
3381>They weren't planning on talking about Leiwf'wa, but it was nice for Barren-Bairn to bring up the topic.
3382>Now they can move on with the topic they didn't want to share with Ivor.
3383“We've been meaning to ask you for a while.”
3384“The right opportunity never came up.”
3385“We don't mean to cause offence.”
3386“We only have the best intentions.”
3387“But we're not quite sure how to ask this.”
3388“It does tend to be a sensitive matter among some people.”
3389>Barren-Bairn snap their heads towards Torae-Tori
3390“Out with it!”
3391“Just ask!”
3392“No, we don't mind!”
3393“No, we won't be offended!”
3394“Okay?”
3395“Got it?”
3396“You sound like the cleric when you talk like that.”
3397“Ivor's nice, but the way he talks doesn't suit you.”
3398>Torae-Tori can't help but blush.
3399>They don't know why they feel embarrassed.
3400>At least Barren-Bairn have made things clear.
3401>Not that they were much for subterfuge.
3402“Understood.”
3403“Clear as day.”
3404“Thanks.”
3405“We appreciate that.”
3406>Bairn turns to face the road.
3407>Barren heaves a heavy sigh.
3408>Torae-Tori take a slow, deep breath.
3409“On the night we met, you told us about the purpose for your journey.”
3410“Your hunt for a 'foe to hate and kick to death'.”
3411“We've put a fair amount of thought into it.”
3412“Your story seems to have stuck with us.”
3413“Especially the part about the Dwarven Mountain.”
3414“How your Lord Dulsfur is there.”
3415“How you wish for your stories to reach him.”
3416“How those you kill will tell him.”
3417>Torae-Tori pause.
3418>They take a moment to consider how they will phrase what they'll say next.
3419“The Dwarven Mountain sounds important.”
3420“We understand, your friend is there with his clansmen.”
3421“It sounds nice.”
3422“A good place to be.”
3423“Family and friends.”
3424“All together again.”
3425“We don't mean to assume.”
3426“It's only our guess.”
3427“Do you want to go there when you die?”
3428“Is the Dwarven Mountain really where you want to go?”
3429>Barren-Bairn don't wait to answer.
3430“Yes.”
3431“Of course.”
3432“We shall go to the Dwarven Mountain.”
3433“We shall be reunited with our clan.”
3434>Torae-Tori hesitate to speak.
3435>They aren't having the easiest time with this line of conversation.
3436>If this was with Ivor they would distract him and make him start talking about himself.
3437>This conversation is different.
3438>This has just as much to do with them as it has to do with Barren-Bairn
3439“But the Dwarven Mountain is for the dwarven heroes who have passed.”
3440“Do you think you'll be allowed to go there?”
3441“You never told us that you worshipped a dwarven god.”
3442“We don't know if you worship any god.”
3443“What makes you think you'll be accepted?”
3444“How will you get in if you're not a dwarf?”
3445>Barren-Bairn purse their lips.
3446>Torae-Tori gaze at them in confusion.
3447>They worry that they might have angered their friend.
3448>Barren is the first to crack.
3449>Bairn is quick to follow.
3450>The two let loose raucous laughter.
3451>They're so loud that their voices frighten a flock of birds from a nearby tree.
3452“Is that all?”
3453“Your great worry?”
3454“What a question to ask!”
3455“As if it needs answering!”
3456“Of course we will make it!”
3457“There is no other path for us!”
3458“We shall find ourselves at the great iron doors of the Dwarven Mountain.”
3459“And those doors shall open wide upon our arrival.”
3460“We may not worship the Dwarven gods.”
3461“But that doesn't mean we don't believe in them.”
3462“Have you ever seen a Dwarven church?”
3463“Don't bother answering that question.”
3464“Dwarven Gods are beings who watch for actions and intentions.”
3465“They don't have the luxury to sit around on padded stools, counting prayers.”
3466“The world is wide.”
3467“Dwarves are many.”
3468“They have no time to count and listen.”
3469“So they look at what you're doing watch for the result.”
3470“Also, many races are known to worship the dwarven gods.”
3471“Gnomes, some half-lings, the odd human.”
3472“All are welcome in the halls of the Dwarven Mountain.”
3473“Maybe not elves.”
3474“Most likely.”
3475“But we can't rightly say.”
3476“We'll have to see for ourselves.”
3477>Barren gives a knowing wink.
3478>Bairn claps his hands and rubs them together.
3479>Torae-Tori maintain their confused expression.
3480“You don't know all the rules.”
3481“You aren't a priest.”
3482“What if you aren't allowed in?”
3483“What if you go somewhere else?”
3484>Barren gives the handle of his axe a quick pat.
3485>Bairn looks up towards the cloudless blue sky.
3486“There is no other option.”
3487“We are going to the Dwarven Mountain.”
3488“There is nothing that will keep us from it.”
3489“No one will keep us from it.”
3490“And if we arrive and are forbidden to enter.”
3491“If the iron doors refuse to budge the tiniest bit.”
3492“Then our Lord Dulsfur will implore the gods to grant us entry.”
3493“Our clan will refuse to let us go anywhere else.”
3494“It is where we belong.”
3495“The only place we can go.”
3496“We are a Clansmen of Dulsfur.”
3497“Therefore we belong to the Dwarven Mountain.”
3498“Where else could we go?”
3499“Who else would take us?”
3500>Torae-Tori turn their faces away from Barren-Bairn.
3501>Torae looks at the rocks at her feet.
3502>Tori wrings her hands together.
3503“Maybe we go to our creator?”
3504“The one who made us?”
3505“To be with the rest of our kin.”
3506“To know others of our kind.”
3507“That wouldn't be too bad.”
3508“Seems like it would be nice.”
3509>Barren-Bairn both give a huff.
3510“Is that so?”
3511“Really?”
3512“Our creator?”
3513“The one who made us?”
3514“Can't say that's what we want.”
3515“Not really our kind of afterlife.”
3516>Tori doesn't know how to take what she just heard.
3517>Torae wishes that Barren-Bairn would be just a little bit more tactful.
3518“But how can you be sure?”
3519“Will Lord Dulsfur's word be enough?”
3520>Barren-Bairn have not stopped smiling.
3521“Of course it will.”
3522“He was a very influential dwarf.”
3523“Besides, we can't doubt our friend.”
3524“He would not have doubted us.”
3525“You may wish to meet our creator.”
3526“You might want to find more of our kind.”
3527“But that's not what we want waiting for us.”
3528“We couldn't stand it.”
3529“Which would be better?”
3530“What would you prefer?”
3531“Eternity spent with those you loved and cherished.”
3532“Or endless days surrounded by strangers?”
3533>Barren-Bairn both give a hearty chuckle.
3534>They quickly glance over to Torae-Tori.
3535>Torae-Tori are staring at the dirt on the road and the landscape behind them.
3536>Barren-Bairn suddenly feel uncomfortable.
3537>They don't know what to say.
3538>They don't know if they should apologize or comfort.
3539>They don't know what they did wrong.
3540>They don't even know if they've done anything wrong.
3541>Seeing no way to improve the situation, the Pushmi-Pullyu decides to leave before they can make things worse.
3542>Barren-Bairn trot ahead to catch up with Ivor.
3543“Hey Ivor!”
3544“Brother!”
3545“We want to have a talk with you.”
3546“We haven't had many opportunities to speak with each other.”
3547“There's still a fair bit of road ahead.”
3548“We have time before our fight.”
3549“Care to hear a story?”
3550“We know a good one about a manticore.”
3551...
3552>The rooms smells horrible.
3553>A pungent mixture of decay, hot copper, and bile burns at Writ-Wrot's nostrils
3554>Writ fears that he might choke on his own vomit due to the gag in his mouth.
3555>Wrot is thankful that they weren't fed before coming here.
3556>The Pushmi-Pully sits in a corner of the room, watching the room full of cloaked figures.
3557>Many stand and watch what's happening in the far end of the room.
3558>Two of the men have been placed by Writ-Wrot to make sure they don't try to disrupt the proceedings.
3559>From their position on the floor, Writ-Wrot can hardly see the ritual taking place.
3560>The walls of the room are lined with numerous clay jars, kegs, bottles, and sacks.
3561>Wrot shudders to think of what might be contained within them.
3562>Writ can't help but be curious as to which cask might contain their blood.
3563>The ritual has been a long one.
3564>Prolonged periods of chanting.
3565>Numerous moments where certain members of the congregation had to refer to a scroll or a tome to figure out what they're supposed to do next.
3566>It's apparent that none of these people are fluent in spell casting or summoning rituals.
3567>They do seem to be very confident in their abilities, however.
3568>So far they've managed to cause a circle of salt, surrounded by elaborate runes to faintly glow.
3569>Among the crowd, Writ-Wrot keep track of the movements of one particular figure.
3570>Demorian.
3571>The old man wanders around, checking on every scroll and tome, asking questions of those overseeing the ritual's performance, gazing at the offerings that sit against the walls.
3572>He's been very busy.
3573>Writ-Wrot can't help but feel a shiver as they watch him approach them.
3574>Demorian looks down to the Pushmi-Pullyu and gives a thin smile.
3575“I apologize for this taking so long, but we can't afford to make to many mistakes.  Summoning rituals do allow for a certain margin of error, but if we go to far off course and the results could be disasterous for all of us.”
3576>The light coming from the far side of the room suddenly grows in intensity.
3577>A powerful glow now emanates through the room, shifting between hues of blue, red, and purple.
3578>Demorian's smile grows.
3579>He looks to the two men guarding Writ-Wrot and gives them a nod.
3580>The two men turn to Writ-Wrot and proceed to remove their gags.
3581>Demorian looks down at them with a gaze that implied a sense of benevolence.
3582“And with that, it's now too late for you to alter the course of things to come.  Did you have any questions?”
3583>The Pushmi-Pullyu doesn't answer.
3584>Writ wishes that his jaw would stop cramping
3585>Wrot wonders how quickly they'd be killed if he tried to throw a punch at the old man's smug face.
3586>Demorian frowns slightly and straightens his posture.
3587“No?  Well, that's fine.  I can't blame you really; I'd also harbour some ill feeling to a man who had captured me for the express purpose of sacrificing me as an offering during a ritual.  You could at least show me some gratitude.”
3588>Demorian glances towards the source of the shifting lights.
3589“I'm still giving you the chance to meet your maker.”
3590>Writ clenches his fists.
3591>Wrot tries to quietly shift some of the weight on his legs.
3592>The light begins to flare in brightness, creating blinding pulses through the room that cause all present to squint and shield their eyes with their hands.
3593>A droning begins to ring through Writ-Wrot's ears.
3594>They never noticed it before.
3595>It seems to grow louder and more distorted .
3596>They don't know what could possibly be making such a sound.
3597>It can't be anything from this plane.
3598>The door to the chamber opens quickly and a cloaked man rushes inside.
3599>Demorian strides over to the man and gives him a disapproving look.
3600>The man leans close to Demorian and begins to speak.
3601>Writ-Wrot can't tell what is being said over the cacophony in their ears, but from looking at the man's panicked expression, it can't be anything good.
3602>Demorian certainly doesn't seem any happier to hear it.
3603>Demorian says a few words to the man and waves him away.
3604>The man rushes to the door and quickly exits.
3605>Demorian heaves a heavy sigh and turns to Writ-Wrot.
3606>Wrot is hopeful that something has come that might actually disturb the ritual.
3607>Writ is wondering if they'll be sacrificed a little earlier than originally planned.
3608>The old man approaches Writ-Wrot and sneers at them.
3609“It appears that you have some friends in the area.”
3610>Writ-Wrot both give a slight jump.
3611>Friends?
3612“I don't know if they're here to save you or to stop me, but it doesn't matter; they're already too late.  Don't go getting your hopes up too high.  By the time they get here, my ancestor will have arrived and I'll have the means to make quick work of them.”
3613>Writ scours his mind trying to think of anybody in the are who could be enough of a 'friend' to attempt a rescue.
3614>Wrot entertains the thought of Leiwf'wa bursting into the room, demanding the return of her books.
3615>Demorian turns his gaze back to the door of the chamber.
3616“Here's hoping that they don't kill my followers too quickly.”
3617...
3618“These fools die to easily!”
3619“There's no challenge to be had here!”
3620“They've no real weapons!”
3621“They don't wear any armour!”
3622“They have only their numbers!”
3623“A cowardly lot if there was ever one!”
3624“Persistent.”
3625“But still cowardly.”
3626“And here we hoped that this would be a challenge.”
3627“A rather disappointing fight so far.”
3628>Be marching down the halls of Demorian's mansion.
3629>Barren-Bairn swat aside another cloaked figure with a single swing of an axe.
3630>If the axe didn't kill him, the impact with the wall will have certainly made him unwilling to stand up again.
3631>Immediately following the crushing blow, the Pushmi-Pullyu quickly turns so that it's other end may have a chance to engage in the fight.
3632>Torae-Tori follow closely behind Barren-Bairn.
3633>Tori launches arrow after arrow at the numerous men who are charging blindly at us from down the hallway.
3634>Torae keeps a vigilant watch for anyone who might try to attack us from behind.
3635>I've been instructed to take up the rear for the propose of acting as rearguard, 'taking care of survivors', and 'letting Barren-Bairn have their fun'.
3636>All I've done so far is look for those who are trying to stand up and club them over the head.
3637>Out of the dozens of men we've plowed through, I think I've only had to strike down three.
3638>I'd almost say this was boring if I wasn't so full of dread for what could be possibly waiting for us in the heart of the mansion.
3639>Now that I think about it, do we even know where we're going?
3640>All I've been doing so far is following Torae-Tori and Barren-Bairn, and all they seem to be doing is concentrating on the fight.
3641“Hold on!”
3642“Now's not the time Cleric!”
3643“The Battle has only started!”
3644>Barren-Bairn look around them for a body to plant an axe in.
3645>At this rate, they'll run out of opponents long before we find Demorian.
3646“This isn't the battle that we should be fighting!”
3647>Torae turns her eyes to me.
3648>Tori keeps her eyes on the hall ahead.
3649“What do you mean, Ivor?”
3650“Aren't we supposed to be fighting these rats?”
3651“Yes, we are, but killing all of these men isn't getting us any closer to Demorian!”
3652>The end of Barren-Bairn that's facing me looks at me in confusion.
3653“For all we know these men are simply trying to guide us away from where Demorian is.  Our mission will be for nought if we don't locate their leader and bring him to justice!”
3654>Both Pushmi-Pullyus stop their march.
3655>Torae-Tori turn so that both heads can face me.
3656“Then what do you propose we do?”
3657“How can we find Demorian?”
3658“If we take one of these men we could possibly interrogate him.”
3659>Look behind me down the hall.
3660>Littered with bodies.
3661>None of them are moving.
3662“Alright, stupid idea.”
3663>Lord of Light forgive me my weakness and foolishness, but you're the only one I can turn to now.
3664>Face Torae-Tori.
3665“I'm going to need you to watch over me for a few seconds.”
3666>Torae nods
3667>Tori knocks the arrow onto the bowstring once again.
3668>They quickly manouver around me.
3669>Barren-Bairn take a few steps closer to me.
3670>Kneel.
3671>Lower my mace onto the floor beside me.
3672>Clasp both of my hands around my holy symbol and lift it to my brow.
3673>Close my eyes.
3674>Pray.
3675“The Lord of Light illuminates my path.”
3676>Hear the twang of a bowstring loosing an arrow.
3677“His servant is wandering and lost.”
3678>Barren-Bairn laugh.
3679“There is someone here who would deprive this land of his light.”
3680>There's a clatter of steel on steel.
3681“His servant asks for guidance.”
3682>Pained groaning and the sickening thud of slack bodies hitting the floor.
3683“Show him those who would bring the dark and harm those the Lord of Light watches over.”
3684>I clench my eyelids tightly.
3685>I slowly turn my head.
3686>A light comes into view.
3687>It burns like a distant candle.
3688>The light appears to be growing fainter?
3689>Demorian is dying?
3690>No.
3691>The distant light isn't growing fainter.
3692>It's being overwhelmed by something even great.
3693>Like holding a candle up to the sun.
3694>The greater light pulses and flares, threatening to consume the smaller one.
3695>Open my eyes.
3696>Notice quite a few more dead bodies than when I started praying.
3697>Barren-Bairn are no longer smiling.
3698>Torae-Tori breath heavily.
3699“You said 'a few seconds'!”
3700“What took you so long?”
3701>Grab my mace from off the floor.
3702>Rise to my feet and look in the direction of the vision granted to me by my Lord
3703>Start walking.
3704>Not fast enough.
3705>Begin running.
3706>Hear Torae-Tori and Barren-Bairn behind me.
3707“What's the matter?”
3708“Do you know where Demorian is?”
3709“We have to hurry!”
3710>A man in a cloak rounds the corner ahead of me.
3711>Hear a 'twang' and feel something fly past my ear.
3712>The man collapses with an arrow in his neck.
3713“What's going on, cleric?”
3714“Where are you leading us?”
3715“I know where Demorian is, but he isn't the problem anymore!”
3716“What do you mean?”
3717“Not the problem?”
3718>I want to give an answer, but I don't know what to tell them.
3719>I don't even know what it is that I saw.
3720>All I know is that there's something in this place that's an even greater threat than Demorian.
3721>Something that shouldn't even exist on this world.
3722>I should be afraid.
3723>I should be afraid of this new thing, but here I am running towards it.
3724>The Lord of Light wouldn't permit me to do anything else.
3725>Feel a stream of cold sweat run down my back.
3726>Hear something.
3727>Something beneath my ragged breath.
3728>Beneath my frantic heartbeat.
3729>Beneath the hooves of the two creatures behind me.
3730>It's my own voice.
3731>Realize I've been speaking softly to myself.
3732“The Lord of Light casts the shadows from my heart that would cause me to relent to my fears and temptations.  He banishes the darkness from within my soul that would bring me to waver and fall.  He illuminates my path, showing me the places my feet must land and the obstacles that would dare impede me.  The Lord of Light gives me the strength to face those who would oppose me, and where my strength may fail he sees that I might endure.  The Lord of Light is just.  The Lord of Light is fair...
3733...
3734>The Light grows in intensity.
3735>The fluctuation of its pulsing and shifting only seems to grow more rapid until it all reaches a conflux where the motion is so rapid that it blurs together.
3736>At least now it doesn't cause those in the room to wish to blind themselves in order to relive the stress of having to try to look at it.
3737>Demorian looks to the two men guarding Writ-Wrot and gives a nod.
3738>The two men kick at the Pushmi-Pullyu and drag them to their feet.
3739>Now standing and able to just look over the heads of the congregation, Writ-Wrot can see the source of the light at the far end of the room.
3740>It appears as a long oval, standing on one point.
3741>The light emitting from the shape is the whiter than anything they could imagine.
3742>But there seems to be something moving within it.
3743>Flowing about like flames across a shield covered in oil.
3744>Like water down the flagstones of a dusty street.
3745>The Pushmi-Pullyu can't help be a touch entranced by what they're witnessing.
3746“Is it a portal?”
3747“A doorway?”
3748“It's certainly magical.”
3749“Definitely not natural.”
3750“And none of these men are wizards?”
3751“Much less sorcerers.”
3752“And somethings going to pass though it.”
3753“Something will make  an entry.”
3754“So they say.”
3755“As supposed.”
3756“A powerful magic user.”
3757“A great wizard.”
3758“Our creator?”
3759“Our parent?”
3760“Hard to believe.”
3761“Beggars belief.”
3762>The Pushmi-Pullyu can't help but ramble quietly to themselves.
3763>After near four days of being unable to speak, they can't resist the urge to.
3764>They hardly notice the words they're speaking to one another.
3765>Those around them hardly notice either.
3766>The shape in the summoning circle is all anyone is capable of concerning themselves with.
3767>Until a small black dot begins to form within the white light.
3768>At first, the dot is hardly noticeable.
3769>Then it grows.
3770>Those in the room begin to take notice.
3771>Worry begins to spread through the group.
3772>Did they do something wrong?
3773>Is this in imperfection in the ritual?
3774>Have they failed?
3775>Demorian looks on sternly.
3776>He's the only one in the room who has done anything similar to the ritual that has just been performed.
3777>But not on this scale.
3778>The old man stares at the dot in the light like how a father would stare at a child frightened to step out of their room.
3779>The dot grows.
3780>Then it shifts in shape.
3781>Then it moves to a different locate in the light.
3782>From the dot a black form seems to force its way through, forcing the circumference of the dot to stretch pull.
3783>The form forces its way through.
3784>It almost looks like an arm.
3785>The arm is soon joined by another, squirming its way through alongside the first.
3786>Together, the two arms pull and strain at the confining edges of the dot.
3787>They grasp and pull at the edges, dragging it across the surface of the light, forcing it to expand.
3788>Long fingers grip at the edge, and force the dot to expand over the surface of the light.
3789>Eventually they find hold, and in one fluid motion they pull the dot over themselves, bringing the light to vanish.
3790>In its place stands a figure composed of an empty blackness.
3791>Tendrils of black shadow seem to waft from its body similar to smoke from the mouth of a pipe.
3792>All are silent.
3793>Except for Writ-Wrot.
3794“Is that him?”
3795“The wizard?”
3796“Our creator?”
3797“Our father?”
3798“Hard to say.”
3799“He's not how we imagined him.”
3800>The figure standing in the summoning circle appears to give a stretch and seems to fold its arms across what might be considered its chest.
3801>Demorian steps forward from the crowd.
3802>He does not look happy.
3803“Traanigaaraal!  What are you doing here?”
3804“I'm here because you summoned me.”
3805>The figure speaks in a voice that seems to echo from a distant location beyond the confines of the room.
3806>It barks its words out in a tone that is both authoritative and condescending.
3807“I wasn't summoning you!  I was summoning my ancestor!”
3808“No.  You were summoning me.”
3809“Impossible!  I followed the instructions you gave me exactly!”
3810“No.  You did follow the instructions as I had written, and here I am.”
3811“What are you talking about?”
3812“I ritual I left for you was simply another means to summon me, not your ancestor.”
3813“But you told me this was a ritual to summon my ancestor!  The first Demorian!”
3814“No.  I told you that I would provide to you a ritual to summon a great being, and you did exactly as I had instructed you to do.”
3815“I don't understand.  Why would I need to summon you again?”
3816>The figure appears to shift its head, as if to look about the room.
3817“On the walls, are these the offerings I instructed you to collect?”
3818“Yes!  I've travelled every corner of this damned world to gather all of this.”
3819“Good.”
3820>Demorian stares blankly at the shadowy figure.
3821>Gradually he begins to chuckle.
3822“I see.  You needed me to summon you with this particular ritual so that you could finish it all yourself.  Summoning my ancestor is too great a task for someone who lacks magical talent, so I need you to perform the last step.  I apologize, Traanigaaraal!  I am deeply remorseful!  Forgive my lack of understanding!  Please, take of this offering what you wish and proceed with bringing me to my destiny!”
3823>The figure in the circle does not immediately respond.
3824>When it does there's a slight shift in the tone of it's voice.
3825>Almost sounds like its suppressing a laugh.
3826“Not quite.”
3827>The figure quickly swings its arms to its sides.
3828>The blackness that surrounds it congeals into droplets that fall from its frame in an oily shower.
3829>The shadowed surface falls away revealing a form that Writ-Wrot instinctively know is not of this world.
3830>An elegant robe draped upon a thin, bony frame.
3831>Skin covered in thick, ruddy fur, tightly pulled over thin muscle.
3832>Thin arms that ended in hands with long, clawed fingers.
3833>The head of some sort of canine with eyes that looked out with a gleeful malice, from behind a set of ornate spectacles perched upon its narrow snout.
3834>The beast pulled its long lips back to display all of its teeth in what could almost be considered a grin.
3835>Demorian stood his ground, silently aghast.
3836>Unfortunately, not everyone in the room shared his sense of composure.
3837>Those closest to their master reached for the closest weapons they could find.
3838>Others drew thin knives and daggers from the recesses of their cloaks.
3839>A few took the opportunity to not-so-subtly make their exit.
3840>Writ-Wrot could not bring themselves to look away from the scene that was unfolding before them.
3841>The creature's voice was smooth contained hints of refinement and elegance that only seemed to justify his tone of condescension and smugness.
3842“I needed you to perform that particular ritual so that I could make a proper entrance into this world, not just my shadow.  The 'sacrifices' I told you to collect?  Nothing more than something I'm going to take with me once I go.”
3843>Demorian hands clenched so tightly that they visibly shook as his fingernails cut into his palms.
3844>No one noticed, not even the old man.
3845“But you told me that I would summon my ancestor.”
3846>The creature nodded his head.
3847“That is correct.”
3848“You told me that I could reclaim my blood heritage.”
3849“I did.”
3850“You said that I could become a great magic user!”
3851>The creature's smile widens.
3852>If anyone was looking at him, they would have seen tears begin to form in Demorian's eyes.
3853“You told me all this!  How could you lie?  I paid your price to have my questions answered!”
3854>The creature's shoulders shake as a breathy giggle leaves its mouth.
3855“Correct, you summoned me to ask questions and you paid me to give answers.  Unfortunately you didn't pay me enough to tell the truth.”
3856>Demorian's shoulders begin to go slack.
3857>Over the course of a few seconds, his body seems to shrink within his suit.
3858>To look at him, a person would swear that he had aged more than fifty years in a single moment.
3859“The truth?  Then everything you said was a lie?”
3860“Not everything.”
3861“And the story of the Demorian bloodline?  My great ancestor?”
3862“All stories.  Very good stories at that, if I do say so myself.  Some of my finest work.  Of course, not all of it was false; every good story does contain elements of truth.”
3863>Demorian's hands slowly opened
3864>His knees began to buckle but he did not fall.
3865“Everyone I killed?  All those people...”
3866“Wholly unnecessary, but I wasn't about to start telling you how to do everything.  It was nice to see you use some initiative and creativity.”
3867>Demorian's head slowly began to lower to his chest.
3868“The Pushmi-Pullyus...”
3869>The creature once more cast its gaze upon the sacks, casks, crates, barrels, and bottles that line the walls of the room.
3870“An excellent source for spellcasting materials.  Or so I'm told.  I can't rightly say if there was any truth to the rumour, but the truth doesn't really matter where profits can be made.”
3871>Demorian falls to his knees.
3872>His shoulders shake.
3873>His breathing becomes laboured.
3874>He almost appears to be succumbing to some great weight that he had been carrying for a long time, only to now realize that he doesn't have the strength to bare it any longer.
3875“My destiny...”
3876“Has been decided a long time ago.  As thanks for all that you have done for me, I will happily bring you one step closer to it.”
3877>The creature lifts a clawed hand.
3878>Just above the tips of its fingers, a shimmering sphere of energy manifests.
3879>The creature gazes at Demorian.
3880>For an instant, it almost looks like it had pity for the old man.
3881>Then, just as the creature twitches its fingers, sending the ball flying towards the prostrated man, the door to the room rips away from of its hinges, showering several men with splinters, and knocking one to the floor.
3882“I think we found the right room!”
3883“At least it looks like the right place.”
3884...
3885>Stand behind Barren-Bairn as he charges through the door he has just rendered useless.
3886>Torae-Tori stand behind me, watching the hall.
3887>Quite a few of Demorians followers ran past us in a blind panic.
3888>Unfortunately for them, they didn't get past either of the Pushmi-Pullyus.
3889>Barren-Bairn said something about 'being thorough'.
3890>I quickly follow Barren-Bairn into the room.
3891>Not quick enough to see everything that happens.
3892>Before I can take my third step in, I see Barren-Bairn get struck by two bodies and sent flying with them across the room, hitting a wall hard enough to leave him doubled over on the floor.
3893>I quickly glance around.
3894>Dozens of men in robes scramble about, some trying to fight their way to the door, some charge towards the figure at the far end of the room, and others are scattered about in the process of dying.
3895>Through a momentary gap between the rushing figures I catch a glimpse of a elegantly dressed body, sans the head, lying in a large pool of blood.
3896>All the commotion has caused various bottles and casks to tip, fall, and break, spilling what appears to be offal and thick coagulated fluids onto the floor.
3897>The smell is almost unbearable.
3898>In a corner near the door, I see Writ-Wrot kneeling on the ground.
3899>their arms are raised, covering his heads.
3900>I rush over to them and lower myself to check on the end closest to me.
3901“Have to get out.”
3902“Must escape.”
3903“Don't want to die.”
3904“Want to live.”
3905“Can't fight it.”
3906“Need to run.”
3907“Where's the door?”
3908“Can't see it.”
3909“Don't want to be here.”
3910“Can't stay here.”
3911“Help!”
3912“Help!”
3913“Help!”
3914“Help!”
3915>It's almost as if they can't see me.
3916>They won't stop yelling.
3917>They must be in some form of induced state.
3918>Not the first time I've seen something like this.
3919>But I've never seen it having such a strong effect.
3920>Place a hand over the eyes of the head that I'm facing.
3921>As soon as I start speaking, he seems to calm down.
3922“The Lord of Light pulls us from the darkness that threatens us to his comforting light.”
3923>A faint glow emits between my palm and the face of the Pushmi-Pullyu.
3924>He blinks and gives his head a strong shake.
3925>Looks up at me.
3926>Biggest look of surprise I've seen on a Pushmi-Pullyu yet.
3927“Ivor!”
3928“Nice to see you too.”
3929“What are you doing-”
3930>He winces in pain.
3931>Look over his shoulder.
3932>See a large bandage over their mid-section.
3933>Some blood is seeping through.
3934>Place my hand on his shoulder.
3935“All pains and wounds are soothed under the Lord of Light's hand.”
3936>He seems to relaxe, but doesn't calm down.
3937“You have to stop him!  He's killing everybody!”
3938>He points to the end of the room that's producing the most noise.
3939>I rise and gaze through the crowd.
3940>The figure at the end of the room appears to be throwing around a fair amount of powerful magic.
3941>Think I catch a glimpse of what appears to be a canine face.
3942>Long robes.
3943>Hear something that sounds like a combination of cackling and yipping.
3944>Lord of Light save me.
3945>Please tell me that I'm not about to face off against what I think this might be.
3946>Notice how many more people are lying on the floor dead since I last checked.
3947>Get the sinking suspicion that I'm correct in my guess.
3948>Look back to Writ-Wrot.
3949>The other end appears to still be suffering.
3950>The end closest to me look up to me.
3951“I'll take care of him.  You think of a way to get rid of that thing.”
3952>Easier said than done.
3953>Give him a nod.
3954>He turns to his other end and stretches an arm out to touch the shoulder of his other half.
3955>Step towards the centre of the room
3956>The creature seems to be preoccupied with the few that still have the nerve to charge towards it.
3957>Torae-Tori Approach me.
3958“Sorry we took so long.”
3959“Too many people trying to leave the room.”
3960“Looks like we missed out on a lot.”
3961“What have we walked into here.”
3962>Torae looks towards a corner of the room and see Writ-Wrot trying to rouse himself from his fear.
3963>Tori spots Barren-Bairn crumpled on the floor, beneath the bodies of two robed men.
3964“Wrot-Wrot?”
3965“Barren-Bairn!”
3966“Is he okay?”
3967“Why isn't he moving?”
3968>They're already panicking.
3969>They can't fight like this.
3970“Torae-Tori!”
3971>Both of their heads snap towards me.
3972“We can't be worrying about them right now.  The best thing we can do to help them is to focus on the fight.”
3973>They nod and turn to face the creature.
3974“Sorry.”
3975“You're right.”
3976“We're ready.”
3977“Let's do this.”
3978“So what is that thing?”
3979“How are we going to fight it?”
3980>I only know the answer to one of those questions.
3981>I can only hope that I can figure out the second as we go along.
3982“I think it's an Arcanoloth.”
3983“What?”
3984“Never heard of it.”
3985“It's a creature from the planes; a being of pure cunning and evil.  From what I've read, they encourage the warring between devils and demons by creating elaborate plots and stoking hatred between groups.  They sometimes deal with mortals, but only when they believe they can benefit from it.”
3986“That's interesting.”
3987“Nice to know.”
3988“So how do we fight it?”
3989“How do we kill it?”
3990>I don't want to tell this.
3991>If there way any moment in my life when I wished to break my oaths, it would be now.
3992>The Lord of Light won't allow me to lie.
3993>I can't bring myself to lie.
3994>Especially to them.
3995“We can't.”
3996“What?”
3997“Say that again.”
3998>If I'm going to be honest, I better go all the way.
3999“We can't kill it.  It wields magics beyond my understanding, it's already slaughtered all of these men without signs of slowing down, and it's just the two of us standing.  We can't kill it.  We probably don't even appear as a threat in its eyes.”
4000“Then what can we do?”
4001“Is there anything we can do?”
4002>Something inside of me hurts.
4003>I have to say this.
4004>No matter how much I don't want to.
4005>No matter how much I know they don't want to hear it.
4006>I see the Arcanoloth wave its hand causing three men to crumble to the ground, screaming in abject terror.
4007>It licks its lips.
4008>I can almost count every tooth in its grin.
4009>I think of Leiwf'wa.
4010>I recall the thought of how she could have been lost in the fire.
4011>I look to Torae-Tori
4012>Remember my promise to the old elf.
4013>I have to say it.
4014“Run.”
4015“You can't be serious.”
4016“Why are you saying that?”
4017“Grab Barren-Bairn, drag him out of this room, and get as far away as you possibly can.  One of Writ-Wrot's heads is active; they can probably find a way out.”
4018“And you?”
4019“Will you run.”
4020>I turn to face the creature.
4021>I hold my mace aloft in one hand.
4022>Place my other hand over my holy symbol.
4023“This beast is not of our world.  I don't know how long it's going to be here, but I know it can't stay.”
4024“No.”
4025“You can't!”
4026“The Lord of Light does not approve of this creature and its actions.  I have to do what I can.”
4027“No!”
4028“You'll die!”
4029“I am a vessel for my Lord.  His light shines through me so the dark may be fought back.”
4030“It's not fair!”
4031“You idiot!”
4032>Feel a heavy slap across my back.
4033>Stings.
4034>Need to catch my breath.
4035>Look back to Torae-Tori.
4036>Their faces are red.
4037>They're both staring me down.
4038“You can't just go and say something like that!”
4039“It's not fair!”
4040“You've taken us this far!”
4041“Brought us through so many battles!”
4042“You should know you can't say that!”
4043“You can't make that decision!”
4044“You said Solom would let you know if he didn't like your companions.”
4045“Well we don't think he's going to do anything to stop us from staying with you.”
4046“You're our best friend, Ivor.”
4047“You never tell your friends to leave you to die.”
4048“Especially friends like us.”
4049“Definitely friends like us!”
4050“We entered legend together.”
4051“Legends don't end that way.”
4052“At least the good ones don't.”
4053“At least the ones we've heard.”
4054>I can't help but blush.
4055>I allow myself to grin.
4056>Leiwf'wa's going to kill me.
4057>Turn back to face the creature.
4058>The Arcanoloth smiles wickedly as it watches a man force his blade through his own neck.
4059>It slowly turns its gaze towards us.
4060>It lifts a single clawed hand and beckons to approach.
4061>I can't move.
4062>Lord of Light save me.
4063>All that talk that I just spewed and I can't even lift my feet.
4064>Lord of Light look down on me.
4065>The creature cackles.
4066>I can feel the darkness of fear cast its pall upon me.
4067>Lord of Light help me, please!
4068>The planar abomination begins to gesture.
4069>It's going to cast something!
4070>Lord of Light, please!  I am your servant and I am in need!
4071>The Arcanoloth's cackle grows into a raucous, mocking howl of laughter.
4072>Lord of Light, bring me to move!
4073>Please!
4074>Move!
4075“One head looks-”
4076>coughing.
4077>Look to the source of the sound.
4078>Torae-Tori have turned to face it.
4079>Haven't been hit by a spell.
4080>Arcanoloth is probably looking as well.
4081>Barren-Bairn are slowly clambering upright.
4082>One of their heads takes a deep breath.
4083“One head-”
4084>More coughing.
4085>They give themselves a shake.
4086>They pound at their sides and strike their faces with open palms.
4087>They both breath deep.
4088“GRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGG
4089>Both roar.
4090>Whoa.
4091>They turn to face us and the Arcanoloth.
4092>They do not look happy.
4093>Really not happy.
4094>The only kind of 'not happy' that dwarves can achieve.
4095>Something they've learned?
4096“One head looks for the ending.”
4097>Barren-Bairn stoop over and reach for the axes at their hooves.
4098“One remembers to begin.”
4099>They march towards us.
4100“Two mouths to sing the song.”
4101“Or to confess the sin.”
4102“A-An Angel beckons forward.”
4103>Another voice?
4104>Turn again.
4105>Writ-Wrot have risen.
4106“With a Devil close behind.”
4107>They slowly make their way towards us.
4108“Two hands that kindness offer.”
4109“Two more that take in kind.”
4110>They gaze at Torae-Tori.
4111>Torae-Tori look confused.
4112>Just for a second.
4113>Then they both smile.
4114“Four arms with sword and shield.”
4115“All raised to face the foe.”
4116“Four legs to bear the weight.”
4117“And know the way to go.”
4118>Look back to the Arcanoloth.
4119>Its turn to look confused.
4120>Its head is cocked to the side.
4121>Hands held mid-gesture, as if it doesn't know what to do with them.
4122>Barren-Bairn give their axes a quick swing.
4123“Two minds to know the world.”
4124>I can hear the air whistling across the edges of their weapons.
4125“Two hearts to face the task.”
4126>Writ-Wrot begin moving their hands in fluid motions.
4127“Leaving just one question.”
4128>I can see the faint lines of magical energies begin to form around their fingers.
4129“You never wished to ask.”
4130>Their voices come together.
4131“Be it in light or darkness.”
4132>I give thanks to the Lord of Light.
4133>I thank him for blessing me with companions like these.
4134“The ever or the never.”
4135>For guiding me to find these Pushmi-Pullyus.
4136“If you push me far enough!”
4137>For giving me these friends.
4138“WE'LL PULL YOU DOWN TOGETHER!”
4139>Everyone moves.
4140>One of Writ-Wrot's ends let loose with magical fire while the other goes into a song.
4141>The Arcanoloth shrugs the flames away as if they were simply flecks of mud on its robe.
4142>I can feel new strength building within me.
4143>Tori looses an arrow.
4144>The arrow seems to strike an invisible barrier and clatters harmlessly to the floor at the creature's feet.
4145>This isn't working.
4146>Torae quickly swings to the front, allowing Tori the opportunity to pull another arrow from her quiver.
4147>Can we even damage it?
4148>One of Barren-Bairn's ends swings his massive battle axe at the Arcanoloth.
4149>The beast narrowly dodges the axe and responds with a wide swing of its claws.
4150>The end with the axe seems to be thrown away from the Arcanoloth.
4151>This only causes Barren-Bairn's other end to come face the creature.
4152>He throws one of his hand axes.
4153>It strikes the creature's leg.
4154>The Arcanoloth looks surprised.
4155>Barren-Bairn grin.
4156“We won't get that back.”
4157“We have more.”
4158“This is going to be a good fight.”
4159“One of the best.
4160>I need to think.
4161>The Arcanoloth growls at the Pushmi-Pullyu.
4162>I don't know how it was summoned here.
4163>I don't know what plane it was summoned from.
4164>I don't know if there was any limits or bindings placed on this creature.
4165>I don't know-
4166>Hold on.
4167>It was summoned.
4168>It was summoned!
4169>Any thing that is summoned can be unsummoned or banished.
4170>Look at the Arcanoloth's feet.
4171>It's still standing in the summoning circle.
4172>There's a chance.
4173>It's slim.
4174>But it's at least a chance.
4175>Look to Writ-Wrot.
4176>One of the heads is still singing.
4177>The other looks like they're preparing to weave more magic.
4178>Speak to the head preparing to cast.
4179“I have an idea!  We need to keep the Arcanoloth standing in the circle!  Do everything you can to stop him from moving!”
4180>The head nods and resumes casting.
4181>Kneel.
4182>Begin praying.
4183>Torae charges in and brings her sword down.
4184>The Arcanoloth catches the sword in a clawed hand and swipes at the Pushmi-Pullyu, driving it's claws through the hairy flesh below her armoured torso.
4185>Torae-Tori wince in pain.
4186>The Arcanoloth smirks.
4187>I sense the strands of dark magics that were brought together in this place.
4188>I feel how they were woven together to bring the Arcanoloth here.
4189>Barren-Bairn rush in, swinging the axe in a wide arc across the beast's back.
4190>The blade brings with it a spray of dark blood.
4191>The Arcanoloth barks.
4192>It throws Torae-Tori's blade aside, sending the Pushmi-Pullyu along with it and turn to face Barren-Bairn.
4193>I call upon the might of my Lord.
4194>I can feel his warmth growing within me.
4195>It grows with strength and heat.
4196>It feels as if I could start roasting within my armour.
4197>I need more.
4198>Writ-Wrot let loose with a spell.
4199>A puddle of green ooze forms at the Arcanoloth's feet.
4200>It looks down and growls in annoyance.
4201>It gives a slight pull and it's feet quickly snap away from the viscous slime.
4202>I continue to gather the Lord of Light's power within me.
4203>I will find the threads of magic that are keeping this monster on this plane.
4204>I will find them and I will burn them away.
4205>But to do that, I need more.
4206>I need more light.
4207>The Arcanoloth waves a hand through the air, sending forth a black mist that floats towards Barren-Bairn.
4208>One of his ends gives a cry and begins to rub at his eyes.
4209“I'm blind!  The damned thing blinded me!”
4210“Turn!  Turn you fool!”
4211>Their heads begin to argue.
4212>The creature turns to Writ-Wrot.
4213>I can feel the sweat being drawn from my skin only to instantly evaporate into the air.
4214>My vision begins to brighten; every colours fade and shift before my eyes.
4215>Every breath is dry and painful, as if I were sucking in the flames of a fire.
4216>It still isn't enough.
4217>I need more!
4218>The Arcanoloth waves another clawed hand.
4219>Writ-Wrot suddenly stop.
4220>Their song ends.
4221>They are no longer casting.
4222>The two ends of the Pushmi-Pullyu bring their hands to their throats.
4223>They make crude, pained, sucking noises as both heads struggle to breath.
4224>The Arcanoloth's grin widens.
4225>It turns to face me.
4226>It's not grinning anymore.
4227>It hurts.
4228>I can feel the rings of my mail branding my body.
4229>Every piece of skin that is exposed to the air is smoking.
4230>I drop my mace.
4231>I wrap both of my hands around my holy symbol.
4232>I need more.
4233>Lord of Light.
4234>Give me more.
4235>With you, I can take this pain.
4236>Give me more.
4237>Give me what I need to cast this creature of darkness away with your light.
4238>Give me what I need to help my friends.
4239>Give me what I need to do what's right.
4240>GIVE ME MORE!
4241>The Arcanoloth raises both hands.
4242>A number of small shimmering balls materialize in the air above it's head.
4243>Lord of Light.
4244>It brings its hands down.
4245>Solom!
4246>The magic flies towards me.
4247>Please!
4248“No!”
4249>Two voices cry as one.
4250>My vision is obscured by a large shadow.
4251>I can't see the Arcanoloth anymore.
4252>Have I passed?
4253>Everything still burns.
4254>The shadow before me quivers and shakes.
4255>I can hear the sound of small explosions in front of me.
4256>What's happening?
4257>The noise ends.
4258>The shadow grows very still.
4259>It falls.
4260>Torae-Tori?
4261>Feel a sudden surge.
4262>My vision goes white.
4263>I can no longer feel my own flesh.
4264>This is a pain beyond description.
4265>This is a hurt that goes beyond skin, muscle, and bone.
4266>I can't hold it anymore.
4267>I let it all go.
4268>The room floods with a bright, blinding, whiteness.
4269>I see thin lines of darkness.
4270>They seem to come from nowhere, but all are drawn towards the figure of the Arcanoloth.
4271>I watch as they catch, like thin strands of paper, and burn.
4272>The Arcanoloth looks around in a panic.
4273>As if it knows what's going on.
4274>It just didn't expect for this to happen.
4275>I hear a sound.
4276>It's horrible.
4277>It doesn't even sound human.
4278>It's a sound of endless torment and anguish.
4279>It's too close to be coming from the Arcanoloth.
4280>Writ-Wrot have been silenced.
4281>I can hear Barren-Bairn still arguing with themselves.
4282>Torae-Tori are...
4283>Oh.
4284>It's coming from me.
4285>The all-consuming light begins to fade.
4286>Feeling begins to return to my body.
4287>It hurts to do anything.
4288>I get the feeling I wasn't really ready to channel that much of my Lord's might.
4289>Close my eyes.
4290>Want to sleep.
4291>I want to collapse and feel the cold tiles of the floor against my face.
4292>I'm ready to be done.
4293>Not yet
4294>Not done yet.
4295>Force my eyes to open.
4296>Look up to Writ-Wrot.
4297>They're staring towards the Arcanoloth, their mouths wide open.
4298>Look to the Arcanoloth.
4299>How long did I have my eyes closed?
4300>Barren-Bairn is facing off against the creature.
4301>Things are different now.
4302>Half of the Arcanoloth's body has been swallowed into an oblong white shape.
4303>It really doesn't want to go into that thing.
4304>Barren-Bairn punch and strike at the creature's face.
4305>They don't seem to be actually hurting it, just making it more frustrated.
4306>The Arcanoloth is caught between trying to fight off the Pushmi-Pullyu with its claws and trying to keep itself from falling completely into the white shape.
4307>One of Barren-Bairn's ends grabs the creature's head and rams their skulls together.
4308>It shakes its head, dazed.
4309>Barren-Bairn take a step back.
4310“Time to go home!”
4311“Back to where you came!”
4312“And if you cross the Dwarven mountain, give a knock!”
4313“Tell Piotern Ogdoular Leoktuk Dulsfur that he is remembered!”
4314“His Buldairn'a remembers!”
4315“The pony will return to his miner!”
4316>The Pushmi-Pullyu rears back and kicks the Arcanoloth.
4317>Square between the eyes.
4318>The creature grasps at his head and is at once consumed by the white shape.
4319>The shape begins to collapse upon itself.
4320>Once it is gone, the room becomes a moment darker.
4321>It take a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim candles and lanterns that line the walls.
4322>I look around.
4323>Writ-Wrot are still standing stock still, awed by what they had just witness.
4324>Barren-Bairn slap their palms against their body and give a loud cry.
4325>I look around the room.
4326>So many lie dead around me.
4327>Look before me.
4328>Torae-Tori...
4329>Torae-Tori!
4330>I scramble towards the prone Pushme-Pullyu the lies just before me.
4331>My legs refuse to move.
4332>They don't look good.
4333>They're covered in darkened bruises.
4334>They're breathing, but shallowly.
4335>Place my hand on their midsection and give them a small shake.
4336>Tori gives a cough.
4337>Torae gurgles.
4338“Ivor? Come.”
4339>Tori is the only one speaking.
4340>Not a good sign.
4341>Pull myself towards her.
4342>I hate how slow I'm moving.
4343>I fight the pain that has embedded itself in every part of my body.
4344>I fall to the floor by Tori's head.
4345>I don't dare move her or lift her.
4346>I don't want her to feel more pain.
4347“I'm here!  I'm here.”
4348>I don't recognize my own voice.
4349>It's become crackling and strained.
4350“You sound terrible, absolutely horrific.”
4351>She weakly grins.
4352>I place my palm on her cheek.
4353“ All pains and wounds-”
4354>There's nothing.
4355“All pains and wounds are...”
4356>I feel no warmth.
4357>The Lord of Light's power refuses to come to me.
4358>Is this a sign?
4359>What is he trying to tell me?
4360>Tori gives her head a slow shake.
4361“Don't bother Ivor, you can't help us.”
4362“What do you mean?”
4363“Looks like this is not one of the good legends, maybe Writ-Wrot can tell it differently?”
4364>I can't say anything.
4365>Feel something cold in my eyes.
4366>It stings.
4367>Keep my hand on her face.
4368>Torae gives another shuddering wheeze.
4369>Close my eyes.
4370>Not now.
4371>Please.
4372>Not after so much.
4373>Not one of them.
4374>Not her.
4375“Ivor.”
4376>Keep my eyes shut.
4377“Ivor, please.”
4378>I can't.
4379“Ivor, we have our answer.”
4380>What?
4381>Compel myself to look at her again.
4382>She's grown so much more pale.
4383“What answer?”
4384“That day in the forest, hunting bugbears.”
4385“That day?”
4386“The before the village burned, before we joined you.”
4387“I remember.  Please keep talking, I remember!”
4388“You asked us something, we have our answer.”
4389“Yes, you want to go to your creator.”
4390“No, not him.”
4391>I blink away the tears gathering my eyes.
4392>What are they talking about?
4393“Barren-Bairn was right, we don't want to be alone.”
4394“You aren't alone!  I'm right here!  Writ-Wrot is here!  Barren-Bairn is-!”
4395“No, not here.  There, out there.”
4396“I don't understand.”
4397“Send us to Solom, Ivor, please.”
4398>Everything in me stops.
4399>When did this happen?
4400>How did this happen?
4401“Why-”
4402“We don't want to be alone out there, send us to where you'll go.”
4403“But I-”
4404“Please, Ivor.  We can wait, we've always been waiting.”
4405>Torae begins to heave and shake.
4406>I'm not ready for this.
4407>I was never ready for this.
4408>Lord of Light forgive my foolishness.
4409“Ivor?  Ivor, please.”
4410>I can't say no.
4411>To them, I could never say no.
4412>Pull myself up.
4413>Force my knees under my body.
4414>Place my hands on Torae-Tori
4415“Thank you.”
4416>Lower my head.
4417>Close my eyes once again.
4418“The Lord of Light-”
4419>The words catch in my mouth.
4420“The Lord of Light guides-”
4421>Feel a hand on my shoulder.
4422“It's okay, Ivor.”
4423“All will be well.”
4424“She asked for this.”
4425“This is what she wants.”
4426>Writ-Wrot's voice catches me.
4427>I can feel him by my side.
4428“She fought bravely.”
4429“She died valiantly.”
4430“No point in delaying, cleric.”
4431“You'll only make her wait longer.”
4432>Comforting words from Barren-Bairn.
4433>As comforting as one can expect from someone so dwarf-like.
4434>Deep breath.
4435>Time to say goodbye.
4436“The Lord of Light guides his children to safety.”
4437>Please.
4438“He brings his followers through the night to lands of calm-”
4439>I know I've asked too much of you.
4440“Where his light may never fade nor flicker.”
4441>I know I'm weak.
4442“He takes them to his side and warms them-”
4443>I know I'm dependant upon you.
4444“Banishing all chills and worries.”
4445>I know I'm nothing but a mortal man.
4446“He holds them close and soothes them-”
4447>But, please.
4448“So they may rest peacefully and deeply-”
4449>Please take them to you.
4450“While he watches for the shadows and shades that might pass.”
4451>Please.
4452>Once more.
4453>Please.
4454>Feel the last breath leave their body.
4455>Torae-Tori become still.
4456>Feel the warmth inside me grow.
4457“So when they awaken in his glorious dawn, they may rise renewed.”
4458...
4459“I told you!  I told you!”
4460>Leiwf'wa screams at me again and pounds her fists against my chest.
4461>She isn't taking the news well.
4462>Can't blame her.
4463>My body still hurts, but I can take her blows.
4464>It doesn't sound fair.
4465>But that doesn't matter.
4466“How!  How could you!”
4467>It took us near a half-day to get back to the town.
4468>I collapsed and blacked out before I'd even reached the front doors of the mansion.
4469>I was told that Writ-Wrot managed to find their puppet theatre, then stuffed me inside so I could rest for the whole trip back to Dunholn.
4470>Apparently the children of the town were rather shocked to find out that their “centaur” didn't have a gnome riding his back.
4471>I woke up just in time for them to drop me in a bed at the inn.
4472>Not my room.
4473>Leiwf'wa was still in that one.
4474>Torae-Tori's room.
4475>They stripped me of my armour and tucked me in.
4476>Didn't feel like talking, so I didn't.
4477>They didn't press me for anything.
4478>Barren-Bairn said that they were both going to check in on Leiwf'wa.
4479>Odd hearing them use her name.
4480>Hardly had a chance to close my eyes before the old elf barged into my room, demanding that I tell her what happened.
4481>So I did.
4482>Now, here I am.
4483>Lying in bed.
4484>Leiwf'wa in tears.
4485>Crying into the sheet that covers me.
4486>I look to the window.
4487>The sun streams brightly through the gaps in the drawn curtain.
4488>The Lord of Light is looking upon me.
4489>I breath deeply.
4490>A calm gently flows through me.
4491>I pull a hand out from beneath the sheet.
4492>My skin looks darkened and cracked.
4493>I gently place my hand on Leiwf'wa's back and begin to give a gentle rub.
4494>The elf's cries begin to slow and quieten.
4495>We sit in silence.
4496>I don't know for how long.
4497>Eventually, Leiwf'wa raises her head and glares at me.
4498“You remember your promise?”
4499“I remember.”
4500“Good.”
4501“I accept all humiliations and terrors that you may wish upon me.”
4502“Don't go being dramatic, Ivor, it doesn't suit you.”
4503>I grin.
4504>I can't help it.
4505>It's nice to know she's doing so well.
4506“I'm not going to torment you.”
4507“Much appreciated.”
4508“As you should.  Instead, I'm going to ask you to do me a favour.”
4509“A favour?”
4510“Yes, and you're not going to refuse or else I'll go back to my original plan to ruin your life.”
4511“I wouldn't dream of it.”
4512“Don't get smart with me.  One little adventure and a fight with a spawn of the lower planes, and you come back all snippy and rude.”
4513>I want to laugh, but it would hurt too much.
4514“I'm sorry.”
4515“Save your apologies for when you can sand up and do it properly.  I've got something in mind that you can do.”
4516“And that would be?”
4517“A little thing you can ask of your friends in your church.”
4518...
4519>Barren-Bairn casually stroll along the rocky trail.
4520>The smell of salt wafts on the cold winds that blow in from the sea.
4521“Can't be much farther.”
4522“So we've been told.”
4523“That old man said four days.”
4524“It's been damn near seven!”
4525“Should never of paid for his drinks.”
4526“Should never of got him drinking.”
4527“He did make for good company.”
4528“Told a good story.”
4529“Just couldn't hold his liquor.”
4530“And gives lousy directions.”
4531>An elderly man in a tavern told them of a rumour he heard long ago.
4532>A little tale about a strange creature that could cast a net from one side of a boat while it hauled the same net in from the other side.
4533>A creature with one head that would navigate by the stars with another that followed the sun.
4534>A beast that sang with two voices and knew every shanty written in every port of the great Beuotuk  sea.
4535“Do you remember the name of the town?”
4536“Did he even say the town's name?”
4537“Did the town even have a name?”
4538“Is that possible?”
4539“I don't know.”
4540“That's stupid.”
4541>The Pushmi-Pullyu tromps over the crest of a hill and gazes out to the see.
4542>In the distance, atop the sandy cliffs in the distance, they can see a small village.
4543>A network of ladders, stairs, ropes, and ramps criss-cross their way down the sheer cliff face, connecting the village to the docks and piers that branch out from the rocks at the bottom.
4544>Numerous boat of all shapes and sizes travel to and from bottom of the cliff.
4545>Their sails catching the wind and propelling them to the open waters and back home again.
4546>Barren-Bairn gaze out at their destination.
4547“Still a good ways to go.”
4548“Still further than the old man said.”
4549“At least we've found it.”
4550“Hopefully they'll have some good ale.”
4551“The wine we brought hasn't been all that good.”
4552“Worthless elf swill.”
4553“Good for a buzz.”
4554“Not much else.”
4555>The two heads look to each other.
4556>The share a knowing smile.
4557“What do you suppose their like?”
4558“If they're anything like the others we've met-”
4559“Or anything like us-”
4560“They'll be as quick with a song as they are with their blade.”
4561“And as loving of ale as they are of their friends.”
4562“In other words-”
4563“Amazing!”
4564>With vigour the Pushmi-Pullyu bounds down the hillside towards the village.
4565>Behind the grey clouds in the sky the sun slowly crawls its way towards the distant horizion.
4566>Soon, the winds will blow the clouds away.
4567>And the stars will come out.
4568>The distant fires of the Dwarven Mountain will burn more brightly than ever before.
4569>As they must.
4570>Lord Dulsfur needs the light.
4571>He wants to see his Buldairn'a in the distance.
4572>Running headlong to the next battle.
4573>Raising a cup in toast.
4574>Singing louder and longer than anyone else.
4575>The miner wants to see his pony.
4576>To know that it is still healthy.
4577>Still happy.
4578>And still strong enough to kick.
4579...
4580“Brother Ivor?”
4581“Greeting Father Rannock”
4582“The Lord of Light is just.”
4583“The Lord of Light is fair.”
4584“I was told that you had returned, but I can hardly recognize you!  Your skin has darkened.  You look taller.”
4585“I wouldn't say that; I don't feel taller.”
4586“And your voice!  What happened to your voice?”
4587“A story I'll have to share with you later.”
4588“I became worried for you when I hadn't received any messages from you for two years.  You shouldn't do that!  You know how your brothers here worry for you.  It's always been that way since you decided to spread the light of our Lord through the greater world.”
4589“I apologize, Father.  I had a long road to walk, but the Lord of Light decided that some stops needed to be made along the way.”
4590“I can't say I'm not surprised.  What of this companion you wrote to us about?  Such a strange name.  Toratri, was it?”
4591“Torae-Tori.”
4592“Such a strange name.  Northern in origin?”
4593“No, Father.  At least I don't think it was.”
4594“Well it's nice that you had found yourself a worthy companion for your travels.  Where are they now?  I would like to meet them.  I'm sure your brothers would like to as well.”
4595“They're not here.”
4596“Really.”
4597“In fact, they've gone to the realms of our Lord.”
4598“Oh...  I'm sorry Ivor.”
4599“No need to apologize, Father.  You didn't know.”
4600“Still... Come, Ivor!  Let us sit in my cell and share a glass of wine.  Your road has been long and I have too many questions to ask in the chapel.”
4601“Yes, Father.  I would like that greatly.”
4602“Firstly.  Your friend.  Would you like me to join you in a prayer for her?  If their with our Lord, then it would only be fitting for the two of us to ask for her comfort and peace.”
4603“Actually, Father, there something I want to talk to you about concerning them.”
4604...
4605>The midday sun filters through the leaves of the tall trees, causing their shadows to dance across the roofs of the town below with every slight gust of breeze.
4606>Life in the town continues as it always has for its long-lived population.
4607>Wives look over their young.
4608>The old men bicker and debate over their shared histories and stories.
4609>The hunters have yet to return with the days bounty.
4610>A Tavern owner muses over which casks of wine have achieved an appropriate vintage for being served.
4611>A blacksmith sweats and pounds away at a curved sickle blade, meant for the harvest of particular herbs.
4612>Children chase each other about, armed with sticks and branches that become swords and magical staves in their small hands.
4613>Everyone too busy to notice the cloaked figure slowly stepping out through the trees that surround the town.
4614>With a gnarled hand she pulls back her hood, revealing her aged face and her long, silver hair.
4615>Leiwf'wa looks towards her ancestral home.
4616>She shakes her head.
4617“Haven't changed a damn thing.  I bet the old families are still in the same houses.  Of course, why would you change anything?  Why change something that works?  Then again, something only works until something else comes along to either ruin it or show you how to make things work better.  Unfortunately nobody likes having their narrow view of the world forced open.  I wonder if anyone I remember have stuck around?  They've certainly been having enough children.  Good for them.  Children are good for a town.  Keeps a population young and reminds them of what's important.”
4618>The old elf is soon joined.
4619>Stepping to her side is a curious figure.
4620>A rather short looking centaur, pulling a tall wooden box on wheels.
4621“Are you talking to yourself again Leiwf'wa?”
4622“Holding congress without us?”
4623“It's always been a bad habit of yours.”
4624“Very rude to your companions.”
4625“You should try to limit yourself sometimes.”
4626“Try to keep things in check.”
4627“Some folks might think your mad.”
4628“We certainly do sometimes.”
4629>A wicked smile cracks the elf's lips.
4630>She gives her hands a clap and begins a quick march towards the town.
4631“I may well be mad, but you'd be even madder for letting me travel with you for so long!  Come now!  I know of just the right place for you to set up.  The perfect little corner of the town, right between the creek and the back wall of the temple.  I used to play there as a child.  We stand with our backs against the temple and race towards the creek to see who could get to the banks the fastest without falling into the water.  I never won, but I never got wet, so that counts as its own victory in a way.”
4632>Writ-Wrot pull their puppet theatre across the low scrub and grass of the forest floor.
4633>They never thought that they'd stray this far from their usual path.
4634>The old elf insisted.
4635>It took her a long time, but she got them to relent.
4636>After the business with Demorian and his ritual, Leiwf'wa was left with nothing to keep her in Dunholn.
4637>So she asked to follow Writ-Wrot.
4638>Writ-Wrot tried to decline.
4639>So the elf just decided to follow them.
4640>Two towns later, she was walking with them.
4641>The next season, she was helping to draw even greater crowds to their show.
4642>After that she was teaching them every story she could find in every library they passed.
4643>After that, she was singing along with them.
4644>They had to admit, she's a wonderful singer.
4645>It took two more seasons for her to convince them to wander off course.
4646>To pay visits to other towns.
4647>Particularly, this one.
4648>As Leiwf'wa strides ahead of them, Writ-Wrot hold their own private conversation.
4649“Do you think we'll be welcome here?”
4650“Accepted for our talents or image?”
4651“We probably shouldn't doubt her.”
4652“She hasn't been wrong yet.”
4653“She hasn't stopped talking.”
4654“Still rambling?”
4655“Can't say that it makes me mad.”
4656“It's actually somewhat endearing.”
4657“Is it because of her age or attitude?”
4658“A combination of the two?”
4659>Leiwf'wa is far ahead of the Pushmi-Pully.
4660>She quickly turns and waves an arm at them.
4661“You better hurry!  I don't want you wandering off too far; don't need you getting lost!”
4662>A gust pulls at the branches overhead, allowing for a full beam of light to penetrate the canopy of leaves.
4663>The light shines down on the old elf and the exposed head of the Pushmi-Pullyu.
4664>He squints and gives his head a shake.
4665>He looks back to Leiwf'wa.
4666>For an instant, she's changed.
4667>He hair shines iridescently golden.
4668>The lines of her face are gone, leaving only a pallor of youth.
4669>Her smile is the same.
4670>Still wide and open, with a twist of the lips in the corners that say she's up to nothing good.
4671>His eyes adjust.
4672>The vision is gone.
4673“What happened?”
4674“Just now?”
4675“Yes!”
4676“What do you mean?”
4677“You stopped.”
4678“I saw something.”
4679“Something?”
4680“Something.”
4681“What something?”
4682“Something hard to explain.”
4683“You can try.”
4684“Don't think I will.”
4685“Why not?”
4686“Because it wouldn't make for a good story.”
4687“You're not the one to decide that.”
4688“Then I guess I'll tell you later.”
4689>Having concluded their conversation, the Pushmi-Pullyu resumes his steady stride towards the edge of the town.
4690>Leiwf'wa skips along.
4691>She has many plans for the Pushmi-Pullyu.
4692>But those can wait until after their show.
4693>When the fairy tales of her youth can make their long awaited return.
4694...
4695“Father Rannock?  You called for me?”
4696“Yes, Neophyte Simon.  Please step in.  Don't just stand there with that look on your face.”
4697“I'm deeply sorry, Father.  It's just that you've never called upon me before, and never this early in the morning.”
4698“Rising a little earlier once in a while can be good for you.  Sit down, young one.  It's a strain on my neck looking up at you like that.”
4699“Again, I'm deeply sorry, Father.”
4700“There you go.  I'd offer you something to drink but that would mean sending you out to the well.  Something I'd hate to force upon you while our Lord's light has not yet come.”
4701“I'm deeply grateful for you mercy, Father.”
4702“There's no need to constantly thank me or apologize for everything, Simon.  You may still be a Neophyte, but you are just the same as every other one of your Brothers.”
4703“Yes, Father.”
4704“What did I say about that look!  Stop that.”
4705“I can't help it, Father.  I don't know for what purpose you called me here.”
4706“Ah.  I see.  I apologize for my dallying, a habit that comes with old age.”
4707“Nothing to apologize for, Father.”
4708“Now then.  Simon.  You've been with our Lord's order for how long?”
4709“Almost two years and three seasons, Father.”
4710“Do you know why you're still an Neophyte?”
4711“Because I have not yet achieved a depth of understanding and connection with the Lord of Light.”
4712“And how many more years do you think you'll remain a Neophyte before you'll be inducted as a full Brother?”
4713“It's hard to say, Father.”
4714“Give me a guess.”
4715“Well.  Dellar said he was a Neophyte for almost five years.  Erstan claims he was a Neophyte for a little more than ten.  Based on that, I'd have to say that I could remain a Neophyte for two years or longer.”
4716“An adequate guess.  Simon, does the Lord of Light ask us to follow Him without question?”
4717“What?”
4718“I believe I asked you quite plainly.  Your answer?”
4719“Well, not in the scriptures.”
4720“You say that like you have more to say.”
4721“I'm not sure I should say it, Father.”
4722“Child, you are safe within these walls.  I shall neither raise my hand nor voice against you in this room.  Now answer freely.”
4723“Okay.  The scriptures don't speak of blind faith, but I fear for what my Brothers and Elders would think if I did anything but.”
4724“Exactly!  Just the exact words I wanted to hear!  Do you believe the Lord of Light wishes for His followers to sit huddled in houses of stone, repeating and pouring over his texts from His new dawn until His last light of every day?”
4725“Well, Father, I would say that understanding his scriptures is just as important as the actions we perform in His name.  It's the same for almost every church I can think of.”
4726“That's it!  Neophyte Simon, I've been keeping my eye on you.  I know you are a good soul with a faithful heart, but you do not belong in these walls.”
4727“Father, I don't understand.”
4728“You're so much like another one of our Brothers from so long ago.  He set forth as a Cleric and did much good for this world.  His journeys have come to an end, but his deeds have affected this church, and shall continue to do so until the ultimate dimming of His last light.”
4729“What do you mean?”
4730“Simon, I'm going to ask you to return to this room in two weeks, at this same time.  On that day I am going to propose to you a question that could change the course of your life and how you commit yourself to the service of our Lord.”
4731“Yes, Father.”
4732“In the meantime, I will give explicit instructions that you are to be given one hour of ever day to be alone in your cell.  During that hour, you are to read this book.  Do not allow your Brothers to see you with it, nor should you speak of it to them.”
4733“Understood, Father.  But why the secrecy?”
4734“They are as you have said: committed to their blind faith and position.  You're still a Neophyte; fresh with much to learn!”
4735“I think I'm still a little lost.”
4736“The best understanding comes with time.  It's taken me a long while to accept that.”
4737“What's this on the cover?”
4738“What?”
4739“This image that's been embossed here.”
4740“What does it look like to you?”
4741“I looks like a deer, or a goat.  But that can't be right.”
4742“Why not?”
4743“It has a head at either end.”
4744...
4745>In the Western lands.
4746>On the boarder between two kingdoms.
4747>A small town goes on as it always has.
4748>The people are never quite sure which of the two kingdoms they belongs to until either an army marches by or a tax collector arrives.
4749>In the town is a church.
4750>A very small church.
4751>The town doesn't need anything to grand or extravagant.
4752>They're happy with the size.
4753>For many years the church sat abandoned.
4754>The insides became dark and cold.
4755>The grasses grew wild and long.
4756>The graves in the back went unkempt and the earth began to claim them.
4757>A rather depressing sight.
4758>Then a new priest arrived.
4759>He strode into the town and walked directly to the old church.
4760>The people who watched this could swear that he knew exactly where he was going.
4761>As if he had been in the town before.
4762>As if he never left.
4763>He marched straight to the church and threw open its doors.
4764>He pulled the boards from the windows.
4765>He swept away the accumulated dust and dirt.
4766>He returned light to the small building.
4767>He brought Solom back to His church.
4768>The priest was not one to hold sermons.
4769>His voice wouldn't allow it.
4770>Despite how healthy he appeared, his voice came out as a strained croak.
4771>The people of the town thought speaking caused the priest pain, so they tried not to bother him with too many questions.
4772>However, the priest was filled with stories.
4773>And he was more than happy to share them.
4774>He spoke of his younger days.
4775>When he was a wandering Cleric of Solom.
4776>He spoke of great beasts and wicked men.
4777>He told of distant lands and strange sights.
4778>But mostly, he talked of his friends.
4779>One friend in particular.
4780>The people of the town found his stories confusing.
4781>Sometimes the priest would speak of his friend as if she were a single person.
4782>Other times he would make it sound as if she were two separate people.
4783>They didn't dare ask him about it.
4784>Many just shrugged their shoulders and considered it all to be an allegory.
4785>Some wrote it off as the ramblings of an aging man.
4786>Others were just happy to hear a good story.
4787>One thing that caught the people as being odd was the Priest's habit to while away the hours sitting on an elaborately carved bench that he had placed on the south side of the church.
4788>The Bench bore numerous images within its carvings.
4789>A belt of knives.
4790>A book with a quill.
4791>The moon within a circle.
4792>An Owlbear rearing back on its hind legs, roaring.
4793>A bow with a quiver of arrows, cross with a sword.
4794>A large battleaxe, flanked by two smaller hand axes.
4795>Two trumpets.
4796>A prominent sun, featured in the center of the bench's back.
4797>And at each end of the back, tall enough to rise above the shoulders of the priest, is the head of a deer.  Each looking off in opposite direction with a set of pronged antlers crowning their heads.
4798>The priest would spend hours of the day sitting in the middle of this bench.
4799>Talking to himself.
4800>The children of the village, in bored moment between their games and chores, would run to priest in his bench to beg him to tell them stories.
4801>He was always happy to oblige.
4802>On occasion, a child would ask about the carved heads of the deer.
4803>The priest would smile and point to one.
4804“This is Torae.”
4805>Then to the other.
4806“And this is Tori.”
4807>Quite often he would change the names between the two heads, and when asked he would always respond in the same way.
4808“You don't expect them to sit still do you?”
4809>The children would laugh.
4810>And the story would continue.
4811>The years would pass.
4812>The small town between two kingdoms would still never know to which they belonged.
4813>So they clung to the few things that were consistent in their lives.
4814>The changing seasons.
4815>The yearly festivals.
4816>Stories passed from grandparent to grandchild.
4817>Strong ale in the tavern.
4818>The old church of Solom.
4819>And an aged priest sitting in his favourite bench.
4820...
4821>Amid the darkened pines that line the slope of a mountain, a huntress stalks.
4822>Hallu silently follows the trail of a rabbit.
4823>Halla thumbs the edge of her stone knife, checking its sharpness.
4824...
4825>Atop a hill that descends down to meadows filled with lush grasses and clover, a shepherd watches.
4826>Bende gazes at their herd, looking for wandering strays.
4827>Bunde slowly drags her eyes across the treeline, searching for hidden predators.
4828...
4829>Hiding in the darkened corners of an Earl's castle, a thief lurks.
4830>Ralee plays with the iron locks of what they believe to be a treasury.
4831>Rilee rambles away on just how sneaky they are.
4832...
4833>In a ramshackle hut, far from the walls of the nearest city, a wizard ponders.
4834>Ezzi flips through the pages of his book, trying to figure out if they had spoken a word improperly or neglected to put the correct flourish into a gesture.
4835>Ezza reaches for another bucket of water to douse the flames that erupted from what was supposed to be a spell that would cause flowers to bloom.
4836...
4837>On a steep mountain road where the grey sky contains a threatening storm, a Paladin surges forth.
4838>Hussir leads the gallop towards a distant rumoured evil.
4839>Hussar looks to the sky and curses it for thinking a mere storm would be enough to stop them.
4840...
4841>Among the drifting snows that blow across the icy tundras that border the northern sea, a witch plans an escape.
4842>Attaru wonders when their pursuers will finally give up so they can be alone once again.
4843>Attari weaves some simple magics, causing a small pile of snow to turn into a chilly doppelganger.
4844...
4845>In a blasted field that has known no wars, near a rather large smoking pit, an alchemist worries.
4846>Rotello inspects their collection of bottles, wondering if any more of them are cracked.
4847>Rotallo pulls his fingers from his ears, wondering when the ringing will end.
4848...
4849>In a glen at the bottom of a mountain range, a young one sits.
4850>One plucks a single stem from the many yellow flowers that surround them, and gently runs a finger across the petals.
4851>The other stares up at the clouds, trying to make sense of the shapes she see them form.
4852>They don't know how long they've been sitting there.
4853>It doesn't really matter to them.
4854>They don't have anything better to do.
4855>But that doesn't mean they enjoy being bored.
4856>The one end throws the flower away and turns her head to face her other.
4857“Lyra?”
4858“Lisa?”
4859“I've been doing some thinking.”
4860“Something you'd like to share?”
4861“I think we should do something.”
4862“I thought we were doing something?”
4863“I mean something with purpose?”
4864“A job?”
4865“Something like that.”
4866“A job is certainly something.”
4867“But something that lets us see things.”
4868“You wish to travel?”
4869“Travel isn't a bad thing.”
4870“It certainly has it's attraction.”
4871“So you agree?”
4872“I wouldn't say that.”
4873“Why?”
4874“I would also like to travel.”
4875“They why disagree?”
4876“I would also like some excitement!”
4877“Travel is exciting.”
4878“Destinations are exciting, travel is not.”
4879“Getting philosophical now?”
4880“And destinations are only exciting if you want to be there.”
4881“Or if there's a purpose for you being there.”
4882“Again we return to purpose.”
4883“Maybe I'm getting philosophical?”
4884“Maybe.”
4885“Might be.”
4886“Might?”
4887“So what do you think?”
4888“Depends on what you want to become?”
4889>The one end returns to looking at the clouds.
4890>The other grabs hold of another flower.
4891“Lisa?”
4892“Lyra?”
4893“I've just had a thought.”
4894“Care to share?”
4895“A possible job.”
4896“One that meets our qualifications.”
4897“Just needs your approval.”
4898“And that is?”
4899“How about a fighter?”
4900>Another moment of silence.
4901>A flower is dropped.
4902>A side is patted.
4903>The Pushmi-Pullyu rises to their hooves.
4904“I might be willing to give it a try.”
4905>Lyra-Lisa wander across the glen towards the trees.
4906>There's a lot they'll need before they can call themselves a fighter.
4907>And even more than most because of who they are.
4908>But no doubt crosses their minds that would let them think that they aren't capable.
4909>They know of a road that cuts through the forest and winds its way through the mountains.
4910>There might be a town on the other side.
4911>A town with people.
4912>Swords.
4913>Armour.
4914>Songs.
4915>Stories.
4916>And friends.
4917>Lisa begins humming.
4918>Lyra picks up the tune.
4919>Soon the Pushmi-Pullyu begins to sing.
4920>Long and loud.
4921>Their voices echoing across the mountain range.
4922>To be caught in the wind.
4923>And blown to the world waiting.