"I'd almost forgotten I'd given you this." Valrym was swinging the sword around, he was quite proficient at twisting it like a parade baton, whether that translated to actual ability with a sword is anyones guess.
"Until you noticed it was gone?"
"No, everytime you touch it I get a feeling like someone walked over my grave, so I can thank the gods you are as terrible a swordsman as you are a person." Valrym stopped swinging the sword and inspected the blade, probably looking for nicks and damage from me using it improperly (which seeing what I do with it, is most of what I do).
"You're joking right, one of those statements done up for comedic effect?" I'd heard of a personal connection to items, but not one that actually could sense the wearer or their intent, sounds like a horrible thing.
"Nope, you see part of this sword is a part of me, so when the wielder is a terrible person like yourself, well its like you are constantly holding my finger." In a way that was actually a bad thing to admit to, especially to a dick like myself. Even now I find myself touching my sword more often if only to anger Valrym (know thats not a euphemism).
"So what's this thing made of, just your pure essence." I said pure here really sarcastically, like dripping, like I should write that funky to imply how insulting I was when I said pure.
"Funny, know its made of a metal that you can only get deep deep underground, places I'm sure the people of this world will find and the dangers there in soon enough, though probably by accident, blowing something up to strip minerals from something they should leave alone."
"What's the worst they could find down there?" I say this having found a lot of horrible awful things underground.
"Judging from recent use you've found some of them, though I swear its like you are using this to pry open jars, have you heard of simple sword maintenance before?" He went behind the bar and produced a cloth rag and some oil.
"You wouldn't believe what I've been up to."
"Mostly because you lie all the time Trezlan, people like you should be believed half of the time and doubted the other half." Hurtful, just hurtful.
"Still haven't told me where that sword came from or why it was made." Yes I realize now I said I'd explain the story and instead I totally just lied to you (see proving Val's point even to myself). Look I forget these stories and I think they are important too ok! Its not all swords and monsters!
"Fine Trezlan you can be the loremaster of this particular shameful period, someone should at least know..." And tomorrow I promise I'll retell the story of the creation of my sword! I promise I won't put if off like last time. Or all the other times I haven't told you the fun stories. See at least you didn't know about those ones!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Return to The Flagon Slayer
Rosetia, it had been years since I'd visited the land of my rebirth as a necromancer (I mean I was a necromancer, stopped being one after I got sent to prison, and became one again when I killed my master... look I have a rationalization process down pat). Partly because I didn't visit cities in my feeling sorry for myself while the world goes to hell days, partly because Rosetia is not my favorite place in the world (hilarious now that I currently live here in exile) and partly because I thought the demigod Valrym would try and kill me like I killed my former boss to save him.
But I needed answers about the sword I carried, it had weird properties and seemed to have a propensity for slaying beasts and glowing. So I had to know what the hell it was and if at some point it would explode. So this meant crossing the border through bribery, avoiding Red Hand patrols so I didn't get rousted for being a spy (which happens hilarious enough and not just to oafs like Marian) and making my way to Rosetia and hoping that Valrym was still there in his run down tavern with poor lighting.
Rosetia had changed since I'd last been there, it had grown up as a city, not too much though (as most of the Red Hand cities were far behind their Ronerawth equivelent). Streets were still only partialy paved and only near the main loading areas, there was a train but from what I saw of it they were way behind the types of engines I'd seen in Ronerawth, and most of the lighting and stuff was simple oil lamps still lit by hand (Ronerawths major cities had discovered means of turning steam powered engines to produce electricity more consistently). Also cleanliness was at a mininum horse crap and general refuse was everywhere, it was like going back in time.
I managed to locate the Flagon Slayer just where I remembered it, the sign out front looked a bit more faded but overall it appeared to be the same tavern I'd stepped in years ago. It was still morning, but the open sign was in the window, which thankfully meant less customers to interrupt me and Valrym's little chat about his sword, that being of course if he was still around or alive. He may have sold the tavern and moved on to humping rocks or whatever earth demigods do. I could see smoke over coming out of chimney up top and smell meat cooking, so someone was obviously working inside. I got over my fear of being immediately murdered and opened the door. It was like stepping back a hundred years, like I'd never left, the place looked the exact same. Including Valrym scowling behind his shortened bar.
"Oh my greatest mistake come back to remind me of my failure." His voice was the same gruff anger I recall it being. His words obviously spoke to the same disposition. We were alone in the tavern I saw no other patrons sleeping off a good drink from the night before.
"Good to see you too Valrym, well partially see you."
"I knew you were in town when I could smell the stench of garbage and death, I'd hoped some creature had just died, alas." He had moved from out behind the bar, no weapon, but he was definately on edge. I couldn't exactly blame him, its not like necromancers had made his life easier.
"Easy easy my ego hasn't been bruised in a while and I didn't come here to fight."
"Then what are you doing here? Leading the wolves to me?" His fists were clenched, I could smell a strange smell in the air, perhaps a building of power?
I drew out the sword he had given me all those years ago, "I really need to know where this thing came from and what I've been walking around with all these years."
I could see a visible difference in his posture, he relaxed and the smell in the room went away, "Oh that, that's an interesting story...." And I'll go all in with it tomorrow. Because I'm a masterful story teller with hooks on hooks, and I'm tired writing hurts ok, you entitled jerks who is probably me reading my awful hand writing. STOP BEING A JERK ME!
But I needed answers about the sword I carried, it had weird properties and seemed to have a propensity for slaying beasts and glowing. So I had to know what the hell it was and if at some point it would explode. So this meant crossing the border through bribery, avoiding Red Hand patrols so I didn't get rousted for being a spy (which happens hilarious enough and not just to oafs like Marian) and making my way to Rosetia and hoping that Valrym was still there in his run down tavern with poor lighting.
Rosetia had changed since I'd last been there, it had grown up as a city, not too much though (as most of the Red Hand cities were far behind their Ronerawth equivelent). Streets were still only partialy paved and only near the main loading areas, there was a train but from what I saw of it they were way behind the types of engines I'd seen in Ronerawth, and most of the lighting and stuff was simple oil lamps still lit by hand (Ronerawths major cities had discovered means of turning steam powered engines to produce electricity more consistently). Also cleanliness was at a mininum horse crap and general refuse was everywhere, it was like going back in time.
I managed to locate the Flagon Slayer just where I remembered it, the sign out front looked a bit more faded but overall it appeared to be the same tavern I'd stepped in years ago. It was still morning, but the open sign was in the window, which thankfully meant less customers to interrupt me and Valrym's little chat about his sword, that being of course if he was still around or alive. He may have sold the tavern and moved on to humping rocks or whatever earth demigods do. I could see smoke over coming out of chimney up top and smell meat cooking, so someone was obviously working inside. I got over my fear of being immediately murdered and opened the door. It was like stepping back a hundred years, like I'd never left, the place looked the exact same. Including Valrym scowling behind his shortened bar.
"Oh my greatest mistake come back to remind me of my failure." His voice was the same gruff anger I recall it being. His words obviously spoke to the same disposition. We were alone in the tavern I saw no other patrons sleeping off a good drink from the night before.
"Good to see you too Valrym, well partially see you."
"I knew you were in town when I could smell the stench of garbage and death, I'd hoped some creature had just died, alas." He had moved from out behind the bar, no weapon, but he was definately on edge. I couldn't exactly blame him, its not like necromancers had made his life easier.
"Easy easy my ego hasn't been bruised in a while and I didn't come here to fight."
"Then what are you doing here? Leading the wolves to me?" His fists were clenched, I could smell a strange smell in the air, perhaps a building of power?
I drew out the sword he had given me all those years ago, "I really need to know where this thing came from and what I've been walking around with all these years."
I could see a visible difference in his posture, he relaxed and the smell in the room went away, "Oh that, that's an interesting story...." And I'll go all in with it tomorrow. Because I'm a masterful story teller with hooks on hooks, and I'm tired writing hurts ok, you entitled jerks who is probably me reading my awful hand writing. STOP BEING A JERK ME!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Mommy
I whipped around chunks of monster flesh still clinging to my sword was thrown off and splattered on the walls next to me. The cave ended in a large craterish hole, there were some shining crystals working as lights (so I could actually see, the entire cave system was lined with them, which at least told me the monsters couldn't see in the dark) at the end of the crater was a huge version of the creatures I'd faced earlier and it was chained. So the children looked to have overthrown their parent/mom/whatever. Even still I approached the creature with caution, it did not look like it had been some peace loving plant eater prior to being chained up.
"Are you going to kill me too?" The voice was strained, I'd heard a similar tone in myself after years of my own captivity.
"Should I?" It was an honest question I'm not exactly one to judge others for their horrible, but I also had almost become a snack to these creatures and if this one births them somehow I couldn't really justify letting it live. The creature seemed to give it a lot of thought weighing its options before it spoke again.
"Yes, I tried to not be a monster though I'm sure you will not believe me, ultimately though I became what I am, it is time for me to die and be buried with my children." I was actually kind of sad when the creature spoke, now I can't entirely say it wasn't some forced emotion the beast put in my head (because its offspring could do the same thing). It was kind of funny because I knew all along I would kill it, but hearing it admit it should be killed was kind of a nasty self reflection (no I don't ask people to kill me, but I know that honestly should someone do it, I've earned it). The creature leaned forward, I took up my sword and with a chop it was done. I worried for a half a second it was going to react and try and kill me, but that fear was over as its weird blood flowed on to the ground.
It took me some time, but I found my way out of the cave of horrors (is there any other type for me? No the answer is no). I did find some donations to the Lorentino fund amongst discarded things (look the people who's these items belonged to were no longer in any shape to disagree). With a couple hours spent wandering the plains I found my way back to my horse and supplies which were thankfully not picked over and made my way back to town my task accomplished.
I did have a new mission and I knew I'd have to wait for my staff to get back from their vacation to do it, because it would require me to go deep in Red Hand territory and confront a horrible creature for an explination long overdue. And to that extent I'll leave you here. Remember to hug your parent, or some crazy person might just murder them because they are a monster... Look it could happen.
"Are you going to kill me too?" The voice was strained, I'd heard a similar tone in myself after years of my own captivity.
"Should I?" It was an honest question I'm not exactly one to judge others for their horrible, but I also had almost become a snack to these creatures and if this one births them somehow I couldn't really justify letting it live. The creature seemed to give it a lot of thought weighing its options before it spoke again.
"Yes, I tried to not be a monster though I'm sure you will not believe me, ultimately though I became what I am, it is time for me to die and be buried with my children." I was actually kind of sad when the creature spoke, now I can't entirely say it wasn't some forced emotion the beast put in my head (because its offspring could do the same thing). It was kind of funny because I knew all along I would kill it, but hearing it admit it should be killed was kind of a nasty self reflection (no I don't ask people to kill me, but I know that honestly should someone do it, I've earned it). The creature leaned forward, I took up my sword and with a chop it was done. I worried for a half a second it was going to react and try and kill me, but that fear was over as its weird blood flowed on to the ground.
It took me some time, but I found my way out of the cave of horrors (is there any other type for me? No the answer is no). I did find some donations to the Lorentino fund amongst discarded things (look the people who's these items belonged to were no longer in any shape to disagree). With a couple hours spent wandering the plains I found my way back to my horse and supplies which were thankfully not picked over and made my way back to town my task accomplished.
I did have a new mission and I knew I'd have to wait for my staff to get back from their vacation to do it, because it would require me to go deep in Red Hand territory and confront a horrible creature for an explination long overdue. And to that extent I'll leave you here. Remember to hug your parent, or some crazy person might just murder them because they are a monster... Look it could happen.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Heroic Battle of Heroicness with Heroism
Wounded, drugged, stuck in a cave facing monsters I can't describe even now. For anyone else this would be an unwinnable scenario, the kind of thing you'd just kiss you butt good bye and hope they leave enough of you for your family to bury. Not for Trezlan Lorentino! I just look those ugly sons of ugly in the eyes, hold my sword up high, and run in the other direction! That's right when the going got tough I booked. Honestly being a hero is overrated. I mean who's going to care you died covered in glory, YOU STILL DIED! Myself I've done some bad things and the thought of death is not exactly one I'm really excited about (facing judgement as a necromancer does that to you).
It's amazing how much utter fear of death and dismemberment can limber up your legs even when you were drugged. I swear I was flying I ran so fast in those caverns. And despite my previous belief I couldn't have been that deep underground I apparently very much was, but that didn't slow me down. I ran like running was going out of style. The monsters were on my heels I could hear their heavy footfalls right behind me the whole time. I thought of trying to toss some fire on the ground or something, but again I was worried about control, and with running I'd worry it would just be a wasted effort (much like everything I do in life.... HEY YOOOOOO). I figured if I kept running I'd make it into open ground and then uhh the sun would kill the monsters? (What can I say I like old classic tales). The problem was THE DAMN CAVE KEPT GOING!
I honestly passed so many bones and corridors full of discarded clothing I was worried I was having some kind of sick dream as they were all slowly eating me. But I was getting progressively more tired, it was a losing game to keep running, I know this because I'm frequently in losing games. I saw the cave wall bent to the right suddenly and formulated a crazy plan, ducking around to the right I held my blade about where neck high would be, and shockingly my enemies chopped all their own dumb heads off. I couldn't believe my luck! I even verified they were all indeed dead, and after a comical laugh and strut (also known as the Lorentino victory jig). I went to move about my way when I heard a growl behind me.
"You killed my children." Yes of course only I who was attempting to run from horrible creatures would find their mother/father/whatever. It actually took me a bit to even turn around, because I really really did not want to. And so thats where I'll leave you, a dark voice behind me calling out that I slaid its children, what horrible future awaits me? You'll never know, well until you read tomorrows entry which is probably already written... you know nevermind screw you!
It's amazing how much utter fear of death and dismemberment can limber up your legs even when you were drugged. I swear I was flying I ran so fast in those caverns. And despite my previous belief I couldn't have been that deep underground I apparently very much was, but that didn't slow me down. I ran like running was going out of style. The monsters were on my heels I could hear their heavy footfalls right behind me the whole time. I thought of trying to toss some fire on the ground or something, but again I was worried about control, and with running I'd worry it would just be a wasted effort (much like everything I do in life.... HEY YOOOOOO). I figured if I kept running I'd make it into open ground and then uhh the sun would kill the monsters? (What can I say I like old classic tales). The problem was THE DAMN CAVE KEPT GOING!
I honestly passed so many bones and corridors full of discarded clothing I was worried I was having some kind of sick dream as they were all slowly eating me. But I was getting progressively more tired, it was a losing game to keep running, I know this because I'm frequently in losing games. I saw the cave wall bent to the right suddenly and formulated a crazy plan, ducking around to the right I held my blade about where neck high would be, and shockingly my enemies chopped all their own dumb heads off. I couldn't believe my luck! I even verified they were all indeed dead, and after a comical laugh and strut (also known as the Lorentino victory jig). I went to move about my way when I heard a growl behind me.
"You killed my children." Yes of course only I who was attempting to run from horrible creatures would find their mother/father/whatever. It actually took me a bit to even turn around, because I really really did not want to. And so thats where I'll leave you, a dark voice behind me calling out that I slaid its children, what horrible future awaits me? You'll never know, well until you read tomorrows entry which is probably already written... you know nevermind screw you!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Boned
"I think I'll just rest over here I'm quite tired we've walked for days." It felt like days, it had indeed been a couple hours at most, didn't know that at the time, but such is the benefit of writing about the past! I was in what appeared to be a house with a comfy looking couch and a roaring fire, notice how I said apeared to be...
"Yes friend take a rest, you've earned it." His voice was soothing like a wave of sunshine on a cloudy day (look thats the only way I could describe it, ignore the fact it sounds like a poorly laid out poem). I laid down on the couch and the Traveler disappeared for a moment. The whole house felt very welcoming, I was about to ask for a glass of water when I noticed something on the ground, a piece of bone. It seemed kind of out of place in the otherwise immaculately maintained house. I was going to dismiss it, but I couldn't, something was off, why would there be a bone there? What kind of bone is that? Who's bone is that? Why would it be near the couch? I didn't see a dog or any other animal nearby. The more I focussed on this stray bone the more the illusion fell away.
The house vanished, instead I was in a cave and it smelled miserable, the couch I was laying on, was actually the remains of some pack animal that had been picked clean, the rest of the cave was also covered in bones of one type or another. I didn't see the traveler, but I figured it was not some wholesome looking person of light either, there are a lot of beasts in this world that can cast illusions (too many, I've heard if you blot out one of your eyes you see through them, not being crazy I sure as hell have not done that). I also noticed I was more lethargic, I didn't remember eating anything, but illusions are weird, who knows what I was actually doing holding the creatures hand.
I stumbled off the pack animals corpse and landed on the ground with a thud, getting to my feet was like swimming through sludge. I heard a rasp behind me and the sounds of metal clanging off the ground, I tried to run towards what I hoped was the entrance (it's a cave there is one way deeper in, one way towards an entrance, so you know 50/50 right?) but with the sluggishness in my legs I didn't make it very far. The creature lifted me off the ground its voice was a squeaky shriek right next to my ear.
"Leaving so soon? But you haven't even become dinner yet." I tried to grab my sword, but my hands moved so slow and with his free hand (which meant he was holding me up with one hand, always nice to know once again outmatched by an opponent) he cast my sword aside, it clattered against the wall helplessly away.
"Sorry not really feeling being on the menu." I went to the old standby (no not cowering in fear you jerk, I KNOW YOU ARE JUDGING ME!!!) and just scorched the ground. The creature screamed impossibly high (it was so loud blood came out of my ears no joke) and tossed me into the cave wall, I landed with a thud. Whatever luck I live by the wall was without obstruction (other than you know cave wall) he also stupidly tossed me next to my sword. I was still groggy as all get out though so I wasn't exactly in fighting shape. The creature was hard to make out really, it was part corpsey looking beast and part gigantic (seriously it was like a huge skeleton, which makes me wonder what anyone else saw when I was following it), it was also hopping around because I'd set its feet on fire (teach you ugly for lifting me off the ground).
I could feel my head swimming either from whatever it had drugged me with, smashing into the cave wall, or like a cold (its been a while, and I generally just tend to get nauseous every once in a while). So I knew the fight would not go in my favor for very long once big ugly put out his hot foot, I also had to wonder how much control I had in my fire, especially being drugged, because I'd be just as likely to ignite the air and burn myself alive which while achieving a result for one thing, would screw me for the rest (I've yet to find a way surviving burning alive, I don't think I really want to). So I'll admit in a bit of a desperation and a bit of just not caring anymore (could have been a result of the drugging or my general attitude), I ended up just throwing my sword at the problem. The blade looped through the air, made a cachunk noise as it sliced my enemy in in two and collided with the wall behind him. Honestly it was fairly shocking at the time and once again had me wondering about that sword Valrym had given me all those years ago. What the hell is it made of?
Still my foe defeated I stumbled over his corpse and grabbed my sword and made my way to what I thought was the exit (I couldn't imagine I'd been that deep underground). Moving forward I came across what appeared to be a collection of a bunch of the creature I'd just finished off, there were at least ten of the beasts staring me down. I meekly held up my sword with my left hand and said the most heroic thing I could.
"So which way is it to the bathroom?" I'll admit its not my bravest moment.
"Yes friend take a rest, you've earned it." His voice was soothing like a wave of sunshine on a cloudy day (look thats the only way I could describe it, ignore the fact it sounds like a poorly laid out poem). I laid down on the couch and the Traveler disappeared for a moment. The whole house felt very welcoming, I was about to ask for a glass of water when I noticed something on the ground, a piece of bone. It seemed kind of out of place in the otherwise immaculately maintained house. I was going to dismiss it, but I couldn't, something was off, why would there be a bone there? What kind of bone is that? Who's bone is that? Why would it be near the couch? I didn't see a dog or any other animal nearby. The more I focussed on this stray bone the more the illusion fell away.
The house vanished, instead I was in a cave and it smelled miserable, the couch I was laying on, was actually the remains of some pack animal that had been picked clean, the rest of the cave was also covered in bones of one type or another. I didn't see the traveler, but I figured it was not some wholesome looking person of light either, there are a lot of beasts in this world that can cast illusions (too many, I've heard if you blot out one of your eyes you see through them, not being crazy I sure as hell have not done that). I also noticed I was more lethargic, I didn't remember eating anything, but illusions are weird, who knows what I was actually doing holding the creatures hand.
I stumbled off the pack animals corpse and landed on the ground with a thud, getting to my feet was like swimming through sludge. I heard a rasp behind me and the sounds of metal clanging off the ground, I tried to run towards what I hoped was the entrance (it's a cave there is one way deeper in, one way towards an entrance, so you know 50/50 right?) but with the sluggishness in my legs I didn't make it very far. The creature lifted me off the ground its voice was a squeaky shriek right next to my ear.
"Leaving so soon? But you haven't even become dinner yet." I tried to grab my sword, but my hands moved so slow and with his free hand (which meant he was holding me up with one hand, always nice to know once again outmatched by an opponent) he cast my sword aside, it clattered against the wall helplessly away.
"Sorry not really feeling being on the menu." I went to the old standby (no not cowering in fear you jerk, I KNOW YOU ARE JUDGING ME!!!) and just scorched the ground. The creature screamed impossibly high (it was so loud blood came out of my ears no joke) and tossed me into the cave wall, I landed with a thud. Whatever luck I live by the wall was without obstruction (other than you know cave wall) he also stupidly tossed me next to my sword. I was still groggy as all get out though so I wasn't exactly in fighting shape. The creature was hard to make out really, it was part corpsey looking beast and part gigantic (seriously it was like a huge skeleton, which makes me wonder what anyone else saw when I was following it), it was also hopping around because I'd set its feet on fire (teach you ugly for lifting me off the ground).
I could feel my head swimming either from whatever it had drugged me with, smashing into the cave wall, or like a cold (its been a while, and I generally just tend to get nauseous every once in a while). So I knew the fight would not go in my favor for very long once big ugly put out his hot foot, I also had to wonder how much control I had in my fire, especially being drugged, because I'd be just as likely to ignite the air and burn myself alive which while achieving a result for one thing, would screw me for the rest (I've yet to find a way surviving burning alive, I don't think I really want to). So I'll admit in a bit of a desperation and a bit of just not caring anymore (could have been a result of the drugging or my general attitude), I ended up just throwing my sword at the problem. The blade looped through the air, made a cachunk noise as it sliced my enemy in in two and collided with the wall behind him. Honestly it was fairly shocking at the time and once again had me wondering about that sword Valrym had given me all those years ago. What the hell is it made of?
Still my foe defeated I stumbled over his corpse and grabbed my sword and made my way to what I thought was the exit (I couldn't imagine I'd been that deep underground). Moving forward I came across what appeared to be a collection of a bunch of the creature I'd just finished off, there were at least ten of the beasts staring me down. I meekly held up my sword with my left hand and said the most heroic thing I could.
"So which way is it to the bathroom?" I'll admit its not my bravest moment.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Traveler
"Scuse me friend." It was morning, it felt like morning because my throat was dry and I had a mild back ache from sleeping on the ground. I hadn't intended on being awakened, but when you fall asleep near the road thats what happens. Well that and you wake up without your pants (don't ask). So the person staring me down wasn't a surprise, though what appeared to be a mild glow around him certainly was. I wrote the glow off as my eyes adjusting to the light/the morning sun (though thinking back it was overcast so you know I'm just kind of an idiot, yes I can admit that here).
"Sorry wasn't expecting visitors." Well I was, but I was expecting some kind of horrific monster not some weird person saying "Scuse" and glowing.
"No one ever does. I'm a simple traveler and I've lost my way, could you help me?" I couldn't explain it then (but I of course know now) but I felt an overwhelming desire to help this guy, like if I didn't I'd feel bad for not helping him. He exuded such a personalable nature I couldn't even come up with a nasty retort or even a sarcastic one.
"Yes I can." I said it without realizing what I was saying, he offered me his hand and off I went. I didn't care I'd left my horse behind or my bedding. I was so intent on helping this traveler there was no other thought in my head. Now of course you'll probably realize he didn't need help anymore so than a spider needs help from the fly, but at the time I was unaware of this. I just knew I needed to help this guy because he was in trouble and I helped people who were in trouble. Even though I frequently don't even when basically forced into it, that was indicator number 1 something was amiss. When I become altruistic things have gone from bad to awful and I just don't know it yet.
Such is the way with bad things, they start off looking like good things and then soon enough your staring into the maw of a beast. Oh wait sorry, little bit of a spoiler on that last point, guess you'll find out more tomorrow, that is if you don't meet any travelers along the way.
"Sorry wasn't expecting visitors." Well I was, but I was expecting some kind of horrific monster not some weird person saying "Scuse" and glowing.
"No one ever does. I'm a simple traveler and I've lost my way, could you help me?" I couldn't explain it then (but I of course know now) but I felt an overwhelming desire to help this guy, like if I didn't I'd feel bad for not helping him. He exuded such a personalable nature I couldn't even come up with a nasty retort or even a sarcastic one.
"Yes I can." I said it without realizing what I was saying, he offered me his hand and off I went. I didn't care I'd left my horse behind or my bedding. I was so intent on helping this traveler there was no other thought in my head. Now of course you'll probably realize he didn't need help anymore so than a spider needs help from the fly, but at the time I was unaware of this. I just knew I needed to help this guy because he was in trouble and I helped people who were in trouble. Even though I frequently don't even when basically forced into it, that was indicator number 1 something was amiss. When I become altruistic things have gone from bad to awful and I just don't know it yet.
Such is the way with bad things, they start off looking like good things and then soon enough your staring into the maw of a beast. Oh wait sorry, little bit of a spoiler on that last point, guess you'll find out more tomorrow, that is if you don't meet any travelers along the way.
Tracker I don't even Know Her
I've never understood why people think I can actually track anything. Sure if their magical I know some things, but despite hundreds of years of practice I've never actually learned how to follow or look for tracks that are not blindingly obvious for normal people. Its just not something I really took the time to learn or care about (mainly because I thought if I did take the time to learn about it someone would want me to do more of it, which happens anyway, but a man can still hope!). All of this is to explain that when I went north (great description of task "Go North good Trezlan find your path!") I found nothing.
No overturned wagons, blood trails, or disturbed ground. I wasn't accosted, or threatened, or even vaguely flirted with (the empty winds blowing over the plains were not feeling very randy that day I guess). I could see the road, I could see it was well traveled on, but I could find nothing else. I didn't see other travelers, but it was the middle of winter very few people like to go off on a trade caravan during the winter, especially when trains frequently supply most places and they can wait till summer for the incidental stuff.
I set up a camp near the road, simple tent little bit of a campfire (I brought wood, there ain't a lot of trees on the plains if you can believe that). Figured I'd hang around up there for a couple days maybe explore the flat plains of boring and then go back with a mission accomplished and back to town for a kudos and being left alone. I of course realize now how stupid it is to make camp in a place where you are supposed to be looking for some awful man killing beast, but you know me by now, smart decisions are overridden by my narcissicm and when I feel an area is safe I do stupid things. I realize I do this, and I still do them anyway, because again refer to my narcissicm. Look when you're a god you don't worry about the peons of the world! And if you're not a god then you're a peon and we care little for you.
No overturned wagons, blood trails, or disturbed ground. I wasn't accosted, or threatened, or even vaguely flirted with (the empty winds blowing over the plains were not feeling very randy that day I guess). I could see the road, I could see it was well traveled on, but I could find nothing else. I didn't see other travelers, but it was the middle of winter very few people like to go off on a trade caravan during the winter, especially when trains frequently supply most places and they can wait till summer for the incidental stuff.
I set up a camp near the road, simple tent little bit of a campfire (I brought wood, there ain't a lot of trees on the plains if you can believe that). Figured I'd hang around up there for a couple days maybe explore the flat plains of boring and then go back with a mission accomplished and back to town for a kudos and being left alone. I of course realize now how stupid it is to make camp in a place where you are supposed to be looking for some awful man killing beast, but you know me by now, smart decisions are overridden by my narcissicm and when I feel an area is safe I do stupid things. I realize I do this, and I still do them anyway, because again refer to my narcissicm. Look when you're a god you don't worry about the peons of the world! And if you're not a god then you're a peon and we care little for you.
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