#Felix Parker-Tinker

[aquadestinyswriting]

Writing Snippet: A 'What If?'

Alright, so I did a bit of "speculative" writing for the Destiny's New Servants campaign before I took over as GM, trying to figure out where the first GM was going with the story. I've lost most of that writing due to changing laptops and being careless with file transfers over the years (make sure you back up your work kids), but I found this one hidden in the depths of my external hard drive about a month ago.

I vividly recall writing the following piece over the course of about a week. I started the morning after the session where Starhammer died because I wanted to remember every detail of that session, then just... carried on with my ideas of what might happen next.

Now, I was also wondering how best to have Merri leave the picture once I took hold of the reins of the campaign at this point. I had an idea of what I had planned to happen back in Fangthane, but the fact was, the first DM was not going to go easy on us, and it was very likely at least one of the characters would die in the fight against Darkhide. We also knew that Darkhide wanted to rip open the portal to the Pit again, and we'd used up all the God Clay that was left on Titan; what the hell were we going to do if he succeeded? So I wrote something to cover that exact scenario. It all becomes a bit self-indulgent, but that's part of why I like it so much. I apologise in advance to anyone using screen readers, I couldn't think of a decent way to split up the different sections of the story. I'll change it once I come up with something that isn't so much of a pain in the backside for you.

This fairly long piece covers the aftermath of Starhammer's death then skips forward a bit, just as a heads up. The speculative stuff starts after Merri's conversation with Elowyn and Enezeage.

Tags: @druidx, @sparrow-orion-writes , @homesteadchronicles, @warriorbookworm, @mariahwritesstuff, @writeblrsupport, @ashirisu, @thesorcerersapprentice, @blind-the-winds, @freedominique

Elowyn grumbled as Enezeage shimmied down the wall and back onto the street. She got down as the half-orc rolled his shoulders,

“Should we go in after them?” he asked, cracking his knuckles. Elowyn shook her head,

“No, first we need to find Meredith and find out if she wants to press charges.” She said firmly, “We can’t just go in and start arresting people.” Enezeage grumbled, but nodded and looked up the street, noticing that the Celestial Dog had paused in front of what seemed to be a grove of trees. He pointed to it,

“What’s that?” he asked. Elowyn wracked her brain for a moment,

“That’s the Grove of Obad-Hai.” She replied, cautiously running up to it and stopping as she saw a very pale and shaken looking Meredith come out of the trees, along with a man in dark brown clerical robes. The man bowed slightly to the Woodling and turned to Meredith,

“Remember what we said, Daughter of Moradin.” He said sternly, before melding with a nearby tree. Elowyn made a face as the Grove seemed to retract and create a firm barrier around the outside,

“I hate those trees.” She muttered, before turning her attention to Meredith. Upon seeing the look on the Dwarf’s face, she rushed up to her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders,

“Meredith, oh by all the Gods, what happened?” she asked as the other woman began to shake, quite violently, the Woodling noticed. Meredith’s breath hitched as she tried to speak but couldn’t seem to quite manage. Elowyn rubbed her shoulders, “Come on Merri, talk to us.” She said in as soothing as voice as she could manage, waving a hovering Enezeage back slightly. Meredith took a few shallow, shaky breaths and clutched the book she was carrying to her chest tightly,

“St–Starham–mer… he’s– he’s dead.” She finally managed to choke out, tears streaking down her face as the events of the whole evening finally hit her. Elowyn’s hands stopped abruptly, staring at the dwarf with wide-eyed shock,

“Wh–what happened?” she asked in a low voice. Meredith hugged herself tighter,

“The beer… the traitorous swine, he spiked the beer wi–wi’ ooze.” Elowyn’s heart dropped into her stomach,

“Oh no.” she moaned, bringing the traumatized dwarf into a tight hug, “Merri, I’m so, so sorry.” She said, tears stinging her own eyes. Enezeage grunted,

“What about those robed dudes?” he asked gruffly. Elowyn sighed and nodded, gently pushing the dwarf back so she could look at her again,

“I take it those guys showed up when you came outside?” she asked. Meredith nodded,

“Aye, they wanted tae know who I wis an– an’ whit I wis doiin’.” She replied, her voice raw, “I summoned the dug when they drew their swords an’ chased me doon the street.” She finally met Elowyn’s eyes, “They s–said they were bounty hunters.” Elowyn nodded,

“Right ok, Merri I have to ask you this because it’s important.” She said her tone turning a bit firmer, “Do you want to press charges against those guys?” she asked. Meredith fell silent for several long moments, chewing her bottom lip as she thought the question over. Finally, she slowly shook her head. Elowyn bit back a growl of frustration,

“Are you sure? We can get these guys arrested and taken off the streets.” She said. Meredith glanced down at the floor,

“I– It’s no’ worth it.” She said quietly, “D– dinna take this  the wrong way, but… I dinna trust that they won’t just get away’ with it.” Elowyn sighed and forced Meredith to look at her. When this was accomplished she pointed to her badge,

“You see this badge?” she said, “That means that I can go arrest those hooligans and get them locked up and make sure they never get out onto the streets again.” Meredith gave the Woodling a sullen glare,

“Then why don’t ye tell that to the officer who tried to kill me when they paid him off.” She retorted bitterly. Enezeage growled,

“Let’s just go take care of them, Elowyn. We know what they’re doing is wrong anyway.” Elowyn looked up at the Monk and shook her head as she came to the realisation that perhaps Meredith might be right,

“No, if Meredith doesn’t want to press charges, then we have no choice in the matter.” She told him firmly. She turned back to the Dwarf, who was still huddled into herself, “Are you sure you don’t want to press any charges?” she asked. Meredith nodded,

“Aye, it’s not as though anyone's gonna waste their time with the only dwarf left in the city anyway.” She muttered darkly. Elowyn sighed heavily,

“Alright.” She said, “Can you at least remember what this officer you ran into looked like?” Elowyn made up a mental image of the man as Meredith described him and nodded firmly. She recalled that he was likely one of the Road Wardens.

‘Right then, looks like I’ll need to go have a word with someone’s superior officer.’ She thought to herself, gently looping her arm around Meredith and guiding the poor woman away from the Grove,

“Come on then, let’s get you home.” She said gently, motioning with her head for Enezeage to take point. The Half-Orc grumbled, but did what he was silently told, tucking his arms into the sleeves of his own robe as the little group finally began to make their way back to Acacia Avenue.

~*~

Meredith rocked back on her heels with a sigh, she was devoted to Moradin, no question about that. However, even as she reached for His grace this morning, there was… nothing. The hollow feeling that was left behind after Starhammer’s death was hitting the young dwarf hard. Darkhide was still a massive threat that needed to be taken care of, but could she even be of any help to the others at this point? That she could not reach her God scared the cleric, although she knew it was unlikely that Moradin had forsaken her it was still disconcerting to receive no response to her daily prayers.

‘Not only that, but the High Priest and Archlector will have felt the shift by now as well.’ She thought to herself as she got up and made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

~*~

Orock had held a lovely service to Starhammer’s memory, Meredith thought, but that she could not hold a proper Dwarven ceremony upset her more than the knowledge that the older dwarf was gone. Elowyn, bless her, had tried to help but the Woodling just could not understand just how deeply Dwarves held their traditions. Unfortunately, even if there had been a body to bury, Moradin was not available to grant any Blessings and Meredith doubted that Throff would want to stick around either. Meredith was still nursing the first mug of ale she had been handed, unable to really bring herself to drink all that much, when a lanky human came rushing into the back room,

“Elowyn! We got a situation at the Garden of Galana!” Farren yelled as he dodged an irate Khord Inititate whose drink he had knocked over. The Woodling was on her feet instantly,

“What kind of situation?” she demanded, kicking Enezeage in the shin to wake him back up and rounding up the rest of her group. Farren grunted,

“Apparently, a bunch of men in black cloaks have a problem with the church’s High Priest and are trying to get into the Garden to ‘have a word’.” Elowyn frowned,

“But why would they…?” Elowyn muttered, trailing off as she realised what the problem was. She glanced over to Meredith, who had grabbed her mace and Book of Moradin and was looking over at the Paladin expectantly. Elowyn sighed and turned to Farren,

“Has the local Watch House responded yet?” she asked. Farren shook his head,

“The Captain in charge said something about it being an ‘ecumenical matter’.” He said, clearly not happy with that explanation. Elowyn frowned and turned to Meredith,

“You’re staying here.” She said simply, gesturing for the rest to follow her. She expected to hear an angry exclamation and to be asked why, so when it didn’t come, Elowyn looked back over her shoulder with a worried frown. Meredith had gone back to her seat, without comment and was back to staring into the mug of ale she had been nursing. Orock frowned as he looked between the dwarf and Woodling, and made his way to stand behind Meredith,

“I’ll keep an eye on her.” He rumbled, “You’d better get going.” He said, laying a large hand on the dwarf’s comparatively tiny shoulder. Elowyn nodded,

“Once we’ve sorted this whole thing out, I’ll get someone to come back and get her.” She said, running out of the Plot Hook and making her way, with the rest of her companions to the other side of the city.

~*~

Elowyn almost skidded to a stop as she finally made it to the Garden of Galana. She had expected that the Abouna would use some clerical magic to keep the area safe. What she hadn’t expected was the sight of a tall human Wizard with auburn hair and spectacles, standing in front of the entrance to the Garden, holding back a very irate group of humans in black cloaks.

“Step aside!” the leader of the people in black cloaks hissed, “There’s a stunty in there that has a very good price on his head.” The Wizard snorted,

“I’m giving you gentleman one last chance to leave before I get upset.” She replied evenly, gripping the Yew staff in her hand a little tighter. Elowyn smiled a little,

“Hey Derren, what do you say we let these fine men know who they’re back-chatting?” she asked, looking up at her partner. Farren, catching the look in the Woodling’s face, grinned,

“Yeah, why not?” he asked, grabbing his cosh. Elowyn looked back at Felix and Enezeage,

“You guys stay back here with Aurri and grab the ones that decide to scarper.” She said, “I think Abouna Shiverstaff and Grand Wizard Frigidwake are a bit more likely to try pressing charges so we can nick this sorry lot.” Enezeage grinned around his tusks and nodded,

“Finally.” He growled. Felix brought his hands into a casting position and nodded. Elowyn looked up to Farren again and nodded, casually walking around the group of men until she came around to the front.

“Is there a problem, Grand Magus?” Elowyn asked, using her best ‘on the beat copper’ voice. The leader whirled around, a little panicked as he suddenly seemed to realise just who it was he was up against. Selene smirked a little and looked over to Elowyn,

“Good afternoon, Officer O’Toreguard, Officer Breakwood.” She greeted happily, “I was just asking these fine gentlemen to leave the area.” She explained, “They seem to have this ridiculous notion that they can collect a bounty on the good Abouna’s head, despite Toreguard Law clearly stating that all religious figures are under the full protection of the Drakemarie Empire.” She added. Elowyn tapped her chin thoughtfully,

“Really now?” she asked, turning to the group of humans, “What do you lot have to say about these accusations then?” she asked politely. The leader, who had backed off, glowered at the Woodling,

“Seems like there was a bit of a misunderstanding.” He said in a low voice, “We weren’t aware that the… dwarf that was in the area was the High Priest of the church.” He said. Elowyn looked at her fingernails and tutted,

“Well you see, that’s a bit of a problem. I was under the impression that the few Dwarves still in the city were still protected from murder and abuse under general Toreguard Law, not just the religious figures.” She said, glancing up to her partner, “Officer Breakwood, what do you think?” she asked. Farren tapped his cosh against his boot,

“I think you’re right, O'Toreguard.” He said, “I don’t recall any news about changes to the law, I think I’d remember if someone said something about Dwarves being fair game.” The leader of the other group backed up some more,

“Well, we’ll just be on our way then.” He said, turning around in an attempt to get away, only to find that the people at the back had already been either knocked out or frozen in place as they tried to flee. Enezeage cracked his knuckles,

“Hullo there sunshine.” He growled, grinning somewhat menacingly. The human grunted as Farren grabbed his wrists and cuffed him. Elowyn turned to Selene,

“Well at least now we can get this lot booked once we get them to the nearest station.” She said. The Wizard nodded,

“I believe I can help with that.” She smiled. She looked up to a nearby rooftop and whistled. Almost immediately a large magpie flew down and fluttered onto her shoulder. Selene tickled the bird under his beak, “Chrackle, take this down to the nearest Watch House, we need a couple of wagons to take these fine gentlemen there.” She said, quickly taking out a slip of parchment and quill and making a note. The magpie chuckled as she tied the note to its leg. Selene rolled her eyes,

“After you get back. Stop being greedy.” She chastised. The magpie chuckled again as it flew off. Selene looked at the group of men, who were being rounded up by Farren and Enezeage, then turned to Elowyn,

“Thank you for the help Elowyn.” She sighed, pushing her glasses up her nose, “I didn’t want to have to resort to casting anything to scare them off.” Elowyn nodded as she leaned against the outer wall around the Garden, watching as Farren read the whole group their rights

“I know, at least I’ve managed to get a hold of these guys now.” She sighed, shaking her head. Selene frowned down at the Woodling,

“What happened?” she asked in a low voice. Elowyn shook her head sadly,

“These guys don’t know it, but Enezeage and I know exactly what they’re about. Merri sent a Celestial Dog to find us because she was in trouble. She ran into these guys last night and they chased her all the way from the Dwarven District to the Grove of Obad-Hai.” Selene frowned,

“Why didn’t she stay in the temple?” she asked, “Between them she and Starhammer should have…” Elowyn was shaking her head again,

“Starhammer’s dead Selene.” The Woodling said, her voice tight. “By the time ‘Zeage and I got there, the temple didn’t look too good either.” Selene sighed heavily and pushed her glasses up her nose,

“Egrim’s not going to be pleased with the news.” She muttered, “Once word reaches Fangthane about that, every dwarf in the vicinity is going to get called back there and Father Shiverstaff only just got this place back up and running.” The two women watched as a paddy wagon rumbled up the street and the robed men were loaded onto. Chrackle landed on Selene’s shoulder with a satisfied croak. The Wizard fished out a regular gold coin from her purse and handed it to the bird, who chuckled happily. The captain of the nearby watchhouse approached and saluted Selene smartly,

“Do we know if the High Priest wishes to press charges?” he asked. Elowyn stepped forward,

“Elowyn O’Toreguard, watchhouse eight sir.” She greeted smartly with a salute of her own, “If you will allow the Grand Wizard and myself an hour or so to talk to the Abouna about the matter we can let you know as soon as we can.”  The Captain narrowed his eyes slightly, but nodded,

“Very well then. I will get these lads back to the watchhouse while we wait.” He said stiffly. Once he was gone, both Elowyn and Selene frowned in concern,

“ Do you think they might get away with it after all that?” Elowyn asked quietly. Selene sighed,

“Almost certainly.” She replied heavily, “But we can’t dwell on that right now. I think we’d better let Egrim know they’re gone.” The Wizard looked expectantly at her familiar, who croaked in acknowledgement and fluttered to a heavy vine. The bird cocked its head for a moment before tapping on the wood. After a moment the vines retracted and another Woodling popped her head out of the door to the church,

“Elowyn, Selene?!” she exclaimed, rushing out and pulling the Paladin into a hug, “Oh, I’m so glad you’re safe! I was so worried!” Selene smiled and nodded in greeting, while Elowyn hugged the other woman,

“I know mum. Look, can we come in and see the Abouna? It’s important.” Oakrose nodded,

“Of course dear, come on in, all of you. I’ll get the kettle on.” The whole group were ushered inside and told to wait in the refectory. Selene held up a hand before going inside. She quickly gestured and muttered a few words, a silver shimmer hanging in the air for a few moments before dissipating. The Wizard nodded, satisfied,

“That should keep out any further, unwanted guests.”  She said as Oakrose gave her a concerned look. The older Woodling shrugged and went back to work while Selene joined the others. After a few moments a dwarf with a wood-brown beard and blue(?) eyes bustled into the room. He seemed relieved to see who had shown up,

“Ta fer gettin’ rid of’ those idiots out there.” He said giving everyone a grateful smile, “ I wis off a mind tae ask the Council what the bloody hells they were playin’ at an’ getting’ help from the Druids.” Selene shook her head,

“You honestly didn’t think I would leave you to deal with those hooligans yourself, Egrim?” she asked. The dwarf waved his hand,

“Ach! I ken you would’t Sel, ye’re pretty much the only one on tha bloody thing that's no’ a backstabbing–” Elowyn held up her hand,

“Ok I think we get the idea Abouna.” She chuckled, “The ‘idiots’ as you call them, have all been arrested on various charges so they shouldn’t be bothering you again.” Egrim snorted derisively,

“Until they’re all released again in a week, tops.” He retorted. He shook his head upon seeing the expression on Elowyn’s face at his comment, “Dinna get me wrong, child, but I’m no’ blind nor deaf. Aside from myself, yon wee cleric friend an’ a handfull o’ Slayers, there’s no one else left this side o’ Fangthane.” He pointed out. Elowyn’s face fell,

“If I can get enough evidence…” She said desperately. The dwarf sighed heavily,

“Elowyn, lass, I ken ye’re tryin’ yer best, but ye’re only one of a very few that actually care about this.” He nodded to Farren, who was making up a fresh rollie. The human shrugged,

“Hate to break it to you kid, but ours is the only Watchhouse that was still going anywhere near the Dwarven district.” He lit the cigarette and took a drag, “I think the Council are pretty much just looking the other way until it all ‘blows over’, especially since we’ll be under siege by a massive horde of undead in about a day or so.” Egrim barked out a humourless laugh,

“’Blows over’ he says. Bah!” the dwarf went over to a nearby ale cask, drew himself a tankard, checked the contents and took a swig, “Given what happened last night, they’ll be lucky if they’re no’ fightin’ a fresh war immediately after this.” Elowyn’s eyes went wide and looked between the Abouna and Selene,

“But why would they do something like that?” she asked plaintively. Selene sighed heavily,

“Mostly because the whole city has likely been placed on the Fangthane Book of Grudges, Elowyn.” She explained, “From what Edwin told me the last time I contacted him, the Low King is under a lot of pressure from the displaced dwarves that are now living there to get some kind of retribution for the people that have lost their homes, livelihoods and even family members.” Elwoyn shook her head,

“But Starhammer wasn’t even killed by this Brotherhood of the Cleave. They were still outside and waiting when Merri came out of the temple.” She protested. That earned her a confused look from the Abouna, who paused while taking another swig of ale,

“Wait, what?” he asked, putting his tankard down, “So if those bastards weren’t responsible, who was?” Enezeage snorted,

“From what Meredith told us last night, it looks like it was that Grinbeard guy.”

“Grimebeard? Garl Grimebeard?” the dwarf asked, looking between the rest of Elowyn’s group. Elowyn nodded,

“Yeah, turns out he had forsaken Moradin and was poisoning people with Oozes disguised as beer. I thought we took care of him?” she asked looking over to Felix and Enezeage. Felix shook his head slowly,

“No, it was one of the other members of his family, remember?” he replied, “The others had long gone by the time we took care of the Clay Golem created out of that poor gnome and the Oozes in the cauldrons.” Both Elowyn and Egrim looked like they were going to be sick,

“We never got around to trying to find the rest of them.” Elowyn muttered, “I honestly thought it was Garl we took care of and the rest just scarpered.” She buried her head in her hands. Selene looked over to Egrim with worry,

“What’s the matter, Egrim?” she asked. The dwarf sat down heavily,

“I’ve been in contact with Fangthane a lot recently, fer obvious reasons. I wis wonderin’ aboot tha rumours goin’ about around some folk goin’ missing’ recently. I don’t think the activities of ol’ Grimebeard has been limited tae Toreguard.”

“You think he might be responsible for the disappearances?” Selene asked. The Abouna nodded,

“Ragnarsson mentioned somethin’ about finding some bad beer in the Cathedral’s cellar. I didn't think anything’ of it at first, even dwarven beer goes bad if it’s kept long enough, but…”

“They’re trying to get rid of every Moradin worshipper they can.” Selene muttered, “But why?” the wizard looked up at her old friend, “We need to get word to Fangthane about this, now.” She said firmly, “

“There might be a problem with that, lovies.” Oakrose said as she came into the refectory, handing Egrim a scroll. The Dwarf unrolled it and quickly read through it. He crumpled the parchment not long after,

“Bollocks tae that.” He swore, tossing the balled up parchment to the floor. Selene sighed,

“Let me guess, all communications out of the city have been forbidden, including all scrying and other magical means?” she asked lightly. Elowyn groaned as the dwarf nodded with a weary sigh,

“An’ afore ye ask, I rather think they’ll include familiars as magical objects.” Selene snorted,

“I’m well aware of that Egrim.” She snipped, “Luckily, if there’s one thing Alexis did manage to teach me in the time I travelled with her, it’s to never just rely on one or two methods of communication. That and to never kowtow to a giant red lizard who thinks he’s smarter than you.” She added. Elowyn frowned in confusion,

“What are you going to do?” she asked nervously. The Wizard honestly scared her sometimes. Selene sent the Woodling a reassuring smile,

“Just going to visit an old friend to ask for a bit of help.” She said, “But first, I think I’d better go and fetch your cleric. She’ll be safer here.”

~*~

Much, much later

Darkhide laughed maniacally even as the last of his life seeped from him,

“You’re too late.” he coughed wetly, spraying blood, “The portal is open, the way is clear. A– and you have no God Clay to– to save you.” He chuckled, his throat gargling. Elowyn dropped to her knees, despair written all over her features. Enezeage had bowed his head and placed his hands in his sleeves, while Felix cried out in anger and anguish. Quintin closed his eyes and prayed silently to Correlon Lorethion for a swift death. Meredith, however, struggled to her feet,

“No.” she growled, wincing from the beating Darkhide had given her earlier, “I am not admitting any sort of defeat to you.” She spat, glaring at the Necromancer. Darkhide grinned darkly,

“Do I need… to remind you girl? Moradin… is dead.” He said, now gasping for air. Meredith snorted, looking over at the giant rend in the earth in front of the group.

“I heard ye the first time, ye bag o’ wind.” She said flatly, “But ye never said anything’ about Throff.” She added, glancing back at the dying human. Darkhide frowned momentarily, then his eyes widened,

“No.” he croaked, his last breath finally leaving him as he attempted to reach out towards Meredith, who was staggering over to the portal’s edge. Elowyn jumped to her feet,

“Merri? What are you doing?” the Paladin yelped, racing up next to the dwarf. Meredith looked down at the chasm with a determined expression,

“Finishing’ this.” She replied. She looked up at Elowyn, “Take the others, and run.” She commanded, “If this doesn’t work, ye’ll need tae evacuate as many people as ye can from the Plains.” Elowyn frowned and shook her head quickly,

“But what about you?” she asked. Meredith sighed and glanced back at the chasm,

“That doesn’t matter.” She said quietly, she looked back up at the Woodling sharply, “Now get goin’!” she snapped, a ripple of power washing over Elowyn. The Paladin tried to resist, but found herself unable to. She glared back at the dwarf, even as her feet took her away, tears stinging in her eyes. Meredith watched her friends leave, guilt tearing at her heart,

“I’m sorry.” She muttered, “But this is my burden to bear.” The Inquisitor turned back to the portal, took a deep breath and knelt. She took a moment and then began to cast,

“Throff, gentle Mother of my people, know that I do not make this request of You lightly. I am fully aware of the cost involved and I will pay it.” She prayed, gathering up as much power as she could muster, “Please, grant me the strength to close this abomination, to heal this world that has been wounded so badly already.” She begged, tears stinging her eyes. After a moment, Meredith felt the earth beneath her ripple slightly. She smiled softly; there may not have been any spare God Clay left, but wasn’t Titan made of the stuff? The Dwarf closed her eyes tightly, pushing yet more power into the spell, feeling it drain her very soul as the earth finally began to move, closing the portal to the Abyss. Demons, who had been making their way up from the bottom of the Pit, screeched as slowly, their means of escape closed in around them. They pushed back and the spell wavered.

Meredith was almost completely tapped out, black spots obscured her vision as she felt the resistance,

“No,” she breathed, “I–I am not letting…” her breathing became shallower as she tried to push yet more power into the Shaping spell. It was then she felt a gentle brush on her shoulder. She blinked back the blackness creeping into her vision and looked in the direction the touch had come from. Stringwhiskers, limned in a golden light, twitched his nose at her,

“We know what you doing.” He squeaked, “We come to help.”

“You got this Merri, keep going.” Alphonse’s voice encouraged from somewhere behind her. Looking around at the faces of her deceased friends and travelling companions, Meredith nodded and glared at the portal, which was slowly pushing back open. Gathering up what little strength she had left, the dwarf pushed it all into the spell. The earth rumbled violently as the two opposing forces clashed, but finally, with a deafening ‘boom!’ the portal snapped shut. The hand of a Balor that had been unlucky enough to get in the way, wavered then disintegrated into dust on the wind as everything finally settled. A weak ray of sunlight lit up the ground where the portal had been and a bird flew over and perched on the out of place hammer that glinted as the clouds above Castle Dire finally broke.

When the Command spell finally wore off Elowyn and the others, they were most of the way along the road to Toreguard. Almost immediately, the Woodling spun around and began marching back up the road towards Castle Dire,

“When I get a hold of that girl, she is getting the earbashing of the century!” she snarled. Felix tugged on her arm nervously,

“What was Merri even doing?” he asked. Elowyn shook her head,

“The stupid woman’s probably trying to close the portal by herself.” She replied. Enezeage strode in front of the Woodling,

“Then maybe, it’s a good idea to do what we were told?” he suggested. Elowyn was about to give the Monk a scathing reply, when the earth under their feet rumbled. Felix squeaked and grabbed a hold of Quintin’s leg. The Elf staggered a little at the sudden gesture, but was quick to find his footing again. Enezeage grabbed a hold of Elowyn’s arm as the Paladin fell back with the sudden movement, a large, squat sea of calm amidst the chaos. Felix looked around in awe as the tremor ceased,

“Whoa, someone’s either being really stupid or really brave to try casting this big a spell.” He said, his eyes wide. Elowyn frowned and checked to see if there was anyone evil nearby that was attempting to cast something new. The only hint of red she found though, was a brilliant glow up where the portal had been opened.

“OK, ow. Remember that big ass portals to the Abyss don’t need to be checked for Evil.” She muttered as she blinked her vision back. Felix shook his head,

“It’s not an arcane spell.” He called as another, larger rumble shook the road beneath them. He waited until the new tremor had passed before continuing as he studied the lines of power only he could see, “I think… yeah, it’s Divine Magic. It’s all white and gold.” Elowyn paled and looked up towards Castle Dire,

“Merri, what are you playing at?” she whispered. Aurianna mewled from her perch on the Paladin’s shoulder,

“I think she’s trying to use a Shape spell to close the portal.” She said quietly. Elowyn frowned,

“How? There’s no God Clay left, right?” she asked, now beginning to panic. Enezeage hummed as he realised something,

“That’s true,” he rumbled, “but what did Titan make the world out of?” he asked. Elowyn’s eyes went wide as an even bigger tremor rumbled through the earth, causing everyone to lose their footing. Once it was over, a massive ‘Boom!’ rent the air then… the earth stilled. The group looked at one another questioningly as they got up. After no further tremors came along, Elowyn rushed up the road as fast as her legs could carry her, at least until Enezeage hoisted her onto his shoulder and ran the rest of the way for her.

Once they reached the top, the group looked around in shock. Darkhide’s body was still pretty much exactly where it had been left, as had the bodies of the other Cabal members and the undead. There was, however, no sign of the portal. Or of Meredith. Elowyn was let down as Enezeage looked around in confused awe,

“MERRI!” Elowyn called desperately. She ran around the grounds of Castle Dire, looking for any sign of her old friend, “MEREDITH!” She ran around the rest of the huge courtyard, “Meredith Gruksdottir, you get your ass over here right now!” There was no reply, aside from the croaking of the ravens that had come along to feast on the dead. Quintin quickly came around the corner,

“Elo, I think you need to come have a look at this.” He called. The elf looked confused and upset. Elowyn rushed over to him,

“What’s going on?” she asked. The Ranger held out an elaborate mace. It was made of the best Iron and etched all over with Dwarven Runes. Meredith’s warmace. Elowyn reached out to touch it, but quickly withdrew her hand,

“Where did you find this?” she asked sharply. Quintin turned around and nodded to the courtyard behind him,

“Next to the edge of where the portal should have been.” He replied heavily, “We’ve looked everywhere in the area. There’s no sign of her besides this.” Elowyn glared at the elf,

“There has to be!” she snapped, her voice tight with emotion as she ran over to where the portal had been less than an hour before. Quintin sighed and followed the Woodling at a more sedate pace, tickling a raven that had landed on his shoulder under its beak.

Elowyn reached the knoll where the portal had not long before torn a hole through reality to the Abyss and looked around desperately, tears streaming down her face. The rest of her party finally arrived in the area, looking as lost and confused as the Woodling felt. She looked at each other them, still hoping there was something, anything else. Slowly they shook their heads. Cragspine approached the Woodling, who was now hugging her knees into her chest and sobbing. He gently touched the Paladin’s hand,

“Meredith might not be here, but portal is gone.” He said in a low voice, “This place saturated with Divine Magic, she obviously successful.” He pointed out. Elowyn really didn’t take too much comfort in the little Kobold’s words. The Dwarf, despite some of her faults, had managed to more or less survive their entire journey and had been a welcome, steady presence when everything had, as they often said to one another, ‘turned to shit’.

“It’s not fair.” She sniffled, “Why did all the big stuff have to fall on just her?” Cragspine shook his head,

“The Gods are fickle.” He reminded her, “Come, we go tell big human peoples news.” He said gently, tugging on the sleeve of the Woodling’s overcoat. Elowyn lifted her head and slowly shook her head,

“You guys go on ahead, I need a minute.” Cragspine looked back at Enezeage with a questioning expression. The Half-Orc nodded and shooed everyone else back to the road to Toreguard. The Monk turned to Elowyn,

“Don’t be too long.” He rumbled. Elowyn nodded as he turned around and followed the others. When she was finally alone, Elowyn knelt on the grass and prayed,

“I hope you managed to find wherever it was you wanted to go.” She said, fresh tears making their way down her cheeks, “You really do have a bad habit of wanting to outdo yourself though, don’t you?” she laughed, “I will personally make sure that what you managed to accomplish today is properly recognised though. Maybe once word gets out about it, people back home will stop being such dicks to Dwarves again.” She looked at her hands, which were balled up on her knees, “I’m going to really miss you. I mean, it’s no fun being the only girl with a bunch of men and who am I going to complain about Gorgeous with now?” The Paladin sighed heavily, “Sleep well, Sister. Hope you’re waiting with a mug of decent beer by the time I join you up there.”  She said with a faint smile. The Woodling pulled herself to her feet and looked up at the sky above her, saluted and finally left.

~*~

Even though it was well after dark by the time Elowyn and what remained of her party got back to Toreguard, General Strucker was waiting at the gates for them,

“Did you manage to stop him?” he asked, clearly nervous about the answer he was about to receive. Enezeage, who had picked up Darkhide’s body on his way back, dropped it at the General’s feet,

“There’s the evidence.” He grunted. The General slowly grinned at the sight,

“So it’s over.” He breathed, “At last.” He gestured for one of the guards with him to take the body, “Get that to the Wizard’s Tower, no doubt they’ll want to make sure that there’s no chance of him being resurrected or have any other means of coming back.” He ordered. Two of the guards saluted, picked up the body and carted it off immediately. The General frowned as he looked the group over, “Hang on a minute, what happened to your Dwarf friend?” he asked. Elowyn stepped forward, Meredith’s mace in her hands,

“She fell closing a new portal to the Abyss that Darkhide managed to open before he died.” She said quietly, “If it’s all the same to you, General, I’d rather explain the situation in front of people who know more about magic than I do.” She requested. The General’s face fell as he regarded the beautiful weapon and nodded,

“Indeed. Come, I’ll arrange for a full Wizard’s council in the main Council Chambers for you. Grand Magus Frigidwake is something of a night owl these days and I’ve no doubt she’ll want to know exactly what happened.” He said. Felix coughed, getting the man’s attention,

“You might want to call on some of the religious leaders as well.” The gnome said, “Meredith was, after all, a cleric of Moradin.” The General nodded again,

“Duly noted, Master Gnome, I shall take note of that. But enough, I rather think you all deserve a bit of rest before you get bombarded from all sides with questions.” He said rather more gently, “We’ve arranged for you to stay in the Plot Hook overnight so that you can have a bit of a lie in.” Everyone nodded tiredly, following the General to a rather large and luxurious carriage and piling inside. By the time Orock showed them all to their rooms, they were all already mostly asleep and dead to the world by the time their heads hit their pillows.

~*~

Elowyn found herself feeling oddly calm as she waited outside the main council chambers the next morning. Perhaps, she thought, it was the absence of the Merchant’s Guild, or maybe it was because she had a decent night’s sleep for the first time in what seemed like forever. No matter what the reason, she walked confidently into the large chamber, alongside her friends, who also seemed far more at ease. Selene smiled at the group warmly as she took her seat at the head of the chamber and waited for the rest of the Wizard’s Council and Toreguard’s Religious Council to sit. This done, she leaned forward in her chair,

“Elowyn O’Toreguard, Paladin of the Light and Sergeant of Watchhouse 8, Northwest Precinct, can you please explain to the council what, exactly, transpired at Castle Dire yesterday morning and afternoon?” she asked calmly. The Woodling nodded and stepped forward, telling the combined Head Wizards and Religious leaders of the fight with Darkhide and the rest of the Cabal, of Darkhide’s apparent defeat then his opening of a new portal to the Abyss that was made permanent with the sacrifice of what seemed to be the population of a nearby village. She then went on to explain how, despite being beaten bloody and almost to death earlier, Meredith, Inquisitor of Moradin, had refused to admit defeat and sent the rest of her party away.

“We’re not sure what she did,” Elowyn said, her throat tightening at the memory, “but whatever it was, she managed to completely and utterly seal the portal. The only thing we could find of her when we returned to Castle Dire, was her warmace.” She finished, gesturing to the item, which had been placed on a plush cushion on a table near the front of the room. The Head Priest of Pellor stood and regarded the mace with a curious expression,

“I must admit, my fellows and I felt a very large pull of Divine Magic just before the earthquakes started.” He said, looking around at his fellow High Priests, who were all nodding, “How this single cleric accomplished such a thing is… well none of us have been able to work it out.” He admitted, “Normally a large ritual has to be involved to pull such a large amount of magic into a single area.”

“Perhaps I can help with your query.” A voice quavered from behind Elowyn. She frowned as Selene’s eyes went wide and the Wizard stood with a hasty, deep bow. She looked over her shoulder to find a very elderly dwarf come into the room, escorted by several beardlings and leaning heavily on an elaborate metalwork staff. Elowyn bowed deeply as well, though noting with worry that the old dwarf appeared to be quite unwell.

“Archlector Vanskleig, it is a real honour to have you visit us.” Selene said, her tone worried as, she too, noted that the old dwarf was clearly unfit to have travelled such a long distance, “Someone get him a seat!” she snapped as she hurried down from her position to assist the beardlings in helping him to a chair that was conjoured by a junior wizard. The elderly dwarf smiled warmly at the Wizard as she knelt in front of him,

“Do you require anything, Archlector, a drink of water perhaps?” she asked Vanskleig shook his head,

“No, child. I am here to find out what happened yesterday.” He replied evenly, “I am afraid I do not travel well using portals.” He added. Selene nodded and stepped back, looking over to Elowyn,

“Elowyn, dear, can you quickly summarise what happened at Castle Dire again?” she asked. Elowyn, despite how soul sick she felt to recall the events again, nodded,

“Of course, Grand Magus.” She replied. Taking a moment to centre herself again before repeating what she had told the Council. Once she was done, the Archlector nodded,

“You recall that Meredith was a Shaper, correct?” he asked. Elowyn thought back to when the group had visited Fangthane the first time and nodded,

“Yes, Your Holiness, I do.” She replied, “However, I do not see how that would have helped matters.” She admitted. Vanskleig smiled, his grey eyes twinkling,

“Ah, but it does help. Quite a lot actually.” He replied with a weary chuckle. He looked around the rest of the Council, “The ability to Shape is a rare one.” He said, “It only occurs once in every three or four Dwarven generations, and has only ever been found in one family line.” He explained, “Few know of the Redhammer Clan, but when they were exiled from Fangthane we believed the ability to Shape had been lost to the worshippers of Moradin and Throff forever.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully, “That is, until young Meredith Gruksdottir displayed the ability; at a very young age as I recall.” He shook his head, “The gift of Shaping is a blessing from Throff, She who found the Magic Clay. It would seem that when the portal to the Abyss was opened, Meredith realised that the only way to close it permanently was using what had since become known as God Clay.” He explained. Selene shook her head as several voices piped up,

“Wasn’t it used to seal up the portal under the Wizard’s Tower?”

“I didn’t think there was any of it left.”

“Where would you even get the stuff from anyway.”

The Grand Magus sighed and slammed her staff on the floor,

“If you must ask questions, do so one at a time!” she snapped, “I should not need to remind any of you about good manners!” The High Priests and Wizards who had stood up to ask their questions all at once sat back down, looking suitably embarrassed with themselves. Selene turned back to the Archlector, who was chuckling,

“Ah, now that’s the young Wizard I remember hearing about ten years ago, I did wonder what had happened to her.” He noted with a warm, grandfatherly smile. Selene bit back an embarrassed laugh as the Archlector proceeded to look around the Council Chamber again,

“As to your questions. Yes, there is no more spare God Clay that we know of, however is not Titan made of the stuff?” he asked. Before anyone could answer, he was talking again, “From what has been described, it would seem that Throff, upon seeing the calamity that was unfolding, granted young Meredith a chance to use Titan itself to seal this new portal.” The Archlector sighed heavily, “Of course, such a casting requires a significant cost.” He looked over to the mace at the far end of the room, suddenly seeming so much older than he already was, “Clearly young Gruksdottir felt that the price asked was worth the safety of Allansia, if not all of Titan.” He said, his voice low and heavy with grief. Silence reigned as the enormity of what had actually happened settled on the rest of the Chamber. That one lone dwarf had sacrificed everything to prevent a disaster worse than had occurred ten years ago from happening again was, clearly, quite a lot to take in. Selene nodded gravely,

“Thank you, Archlector. It looks like we all have rather a lot to reflect upon. Especially given the behaviour of some of the city’s people towards the Dwarven people as of late.” She stood and regarded her fellows, “I think it would be best if we took a recess for the next four hours. When we get back, we will discuss what needs to be done to properly celebrate and honour those who have already given this city so much.” She glanced over to Elowyn and the others as she spoke, striking her oaken staff on the floor and sweeping out of the room. Elowyn ignored the mumble of conversation going on as she approached the Archlector and knelt before him,

“Your Grace, I have a couple of questions if I may.” She said quietly, Aurianna quickly scampering up beside her. The Archlector regarded the Paladin and nodded, waving off his beardling assistants,

“I’ll be alright, I will call when we are done.” He assured them gently. The eldest of them bowed politely and ushered the other outside, knowing that this was a private matter. Elowyn smiled gratefully to the old dwarf,

“Thank you.” She said. Vanskleig motioned for her to sit,

“It is no trouble, child. You are clearly worried about something and wish for guidance. I would be a poor cleric to ignore such a request.” He assured her. Elowyn shifted uncomfortably,

“Darkhide said during the fight against him that… he said Moradin was dead.” She said, trying not to avoid the subject, “I assumed he was merely trying to scare Meredith, but before we left the city, she mentioned that she had not been able to reach Him.” She looked up at the Archlector with worry, “Was Darkhide telling the truth? I thought Moradin had merely forsaken Toreguard following Starhammer’s untimely death.” Vanskleig sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair thoughtfully,

“As a friend of Meredith, I feel safe in letting you know what has happened.” He said, “However, this information is to go no further than us unless it becomes something that needs to be dealt with.” He told her firmly. Elowyn nodded, hugging her knees to her chest by now,

“You have my word Archlector.” She said. The elderly dwarf nodded, satisfied,

“The Dwarven people are currently in crisis, my dear.” He explained, “There is much upheaval occurring at the moment both in Fangthane, and until recently, here in Toreguard. As a result of what has happened here of late, Moradin’s followers have become… unsure of themselves and their faith is wavering. As a result, Moradin is less powerful than He would normally be and is attempting to consolidate Himself.” Vanskleig sighed, “My faith in the Dwarf Father is as strong as ever, my dear, however, I am old and while I have a replacement, I worry for my people following my passing.” Elowyn nodded,

“That’s– That’s some heavy stuff. But I am glad to know that Moradin still exists. It eases my heart just a little.” The Archlector smiled,

“You cared very deeply for her, that much is clear.” He said in a low voice, “When I return to Fangthane, I will ensure that young Meredith is properly remembered by all under the mountain. While she passed far, far too young, she was devoted not just to Moradin, but to her people and her world. Take strength in the knowledge that you knew Meredith for who she truly was, not the legend she will obviously become.” He advised. Elowyn nodded, wiping at her eyes as they welled up again,

“Thank you Archlector, I will.” She replied, getting up and bowing, even as the Archlector called for his assistants.

~*~

Later:

“I ‘eard a little about what happened.” Mrs Higgins said quietly once everyone else had left the kitchen, leaving the Woodling alone with her thoughts. Elowyn looked up at the house’s matron,

“I think the news has made its way most of the way around the city by now.” She said with a weak chuckle. The old human fished out an envelope from the pocket in the front of her pinnie,

“Miss Meredith left this with me before you left to go to Castle Dire.” She said quietly, “Said I should give it you when you got back.” Elowyn took the envelope, her hands shaking slightly as she regarded the firm, almost runic strokes of her old friend’s handwriting. The Woodling nodded to Mrs Higgins,

“Thank you, can you go and fetch me a pot of tea? I think I’ll probably need it after reading this.” She asked in a small voice. The maid nodded in sympathy,

“I’ll go fetch a small pot of brandy to go with as well, dear.” She said, bobbing in a curtsey, before bustling off to the other end of the large kitchen. Elowyn stared at the unopened envelope for several long moments, both longing to read the letter inside, and not yet willing to acknowledge that the dwarf was never coming back. Finally, she broke the wax seal on the back and took out the parchment inside:

Dearest Elowyn,

If you have received this letter, then that means the inevitable has happened. Whatever form this has taken, know that I do not want you, or any of the others, to blame yourselves. When Moradin comes calling, I kind of have to answer Him, right? I wanted to let you know just how much the time we have managed to spend with one another has meant to me.

I know that you love your city and pray to Moradin and Throff both that, once time has had a chance to dull the wounds left behind by this most recent conflict, that our people can live in peace with one another again. I trust that Justice will be done for the atrocities that have been committed, and know that, somehow, you’ll be right there in the middle of it. Please never lose sight of that goal, for I know that it might be the only thing that you have left to cling to when the shadows gather and fate feels like it’s ripped everything and everyone out from under your feet. I tell you this as a reminder. In these last days before we finally face Darkhide, the Light that you have brought into my life has been the only thing keeping me going when I truly believed that I had lost everything.

Even though we have had our differences in opinion, know that I have ever seen you as a Sister and, therefore regard you as kin. No matter the challenges that lay ahead of you, know that I am proud to have stood by your side as you grew from a simple Officer of the Watch into a Paladin that has learned the hard way how to lead and inspire others. Even as both of our peoples face dark and uncertain futures I know that you will be there to help light the way to a better future for all.

Should you ever have need to pass through the lands around Fangthane in your travels, please take the enclosed with you.  It will identify you as a close and trusted friend of the Dwarven people and ought to keep you and your travelling companions safe despite the Grudge that will likely be in place by now.

Stay safe òrdugh piuthar and while I hope to meet you again when you finally pass to this next life, I hope it is a very long time coming.

May the rocks stay ever true under your feet,

Meredith, Daughter of Gruk, Son of Ovak

Inquisitor of Moradin 13th level

The sheafs of parchment shook and drops of water splotched the ink as Elowyn finished reading through the letter. Meredith had clearly known that it was unlikely that she would survive the fight against Darkhide. The Woodling frowned through her tears as she realised that there was something else still in the envelope. She gingerly shook whatever it was out onto the table, her heart breaking even further than she ever thought possible as she regarded the item. It was a simple Mythril necklace with a finely crafted dwarven Warhammer attached to it. Both were covered in intricate dwarven runes. Meredith’s Holy Symbol. Elowyn had seen the dwarf use it often enough to Turn the undead to recognise it immediately.

[druidx]

@hannah-heartstrings commented:

It also has a side effect of giving off a gentle glow. Terrible for sneaking, but great for your feckless party members to use in convincing everyone you're a god or a prophet or something. That's sounds hilarious and like there might be a story behind it? XD

Since the comment thread was already making that post hella long, I thought I'd pop the response in a new post.

To set the scene: Our intrepid band of heroes has been requested by Storri, King of the Dwarves, to investigate and stop the advancement of Kobold activity in the lower reaches for the mountain city of Fangthane. The party discover that the kobolds tribes are organising under the banner of one King Torg, who is working as a lacky for our main BBEG, Thaddeus Darkhide. In their travels under the mountain, the party discover a slave train of 'dissident' kobold priests. These are summarily freed and the party are told that Torg is rounding up anyone who disagrees with his new order, he's going against the Old Ways, Kurtulmak is very angry about this.

The head priest, Scrikclaw, says Torg is holding a tournament where the party can go an assassinate him. So off they go, only to find themselves outmatched. They run and are pursued by kobold guards, one of whom is riding a dire weasel. The guards are picked off, but the weasel is tenacious. There are several in the party whose speed is Not Fast. Meredith is grabbed by Enezege, the fastest player. The other two, Elowyn and Felix, are lagging behind. The GM says "the dire weasel is going to attack either Felix or Elo. Unless one of you wants to do something about this, I'll roll a dice to decide." I say, "Elo is going to slow down, giving Felix time to get away." Elo is summarily turned into a chew-toy and dies. Everyone else survives with minor injuries.

Enezege is Not Happy about this. He asks Scrikclaw to raise her from the dead. He does, he dies, Elo lives... With a complication. Officially, Elo's god is St. Cuthbert. But because Kurtulmak is the god being requested to do the divine deed, it means he gets to lay a condition on Elo's resurrection. He wants her to stop Torg and return things to the Old Ways, and that she is now going to be his Vassal.

This is where things get... confused. Because everyone heard GM say 'Vessel', and jumped to the same conclusion: Elo is now Kobold Jesus. This is not what GM meant at all. It took several sessions for this confusion to be rectified in most of the party. However. Felix's player, bless his cotton socks, never really understood the distinction and once he gets an idea stuck it tends to stay stuck. (This whole situation is made more ''hilarious'' by the fact that Felix's player is a devout christian. If anyone knows about organised religion, it's him). It was not helped by the fact that the group of dissident priests decided they're now her disciples and Elo became a Paladin a few sessions later, complete with Golden Dragon mount.

This mixup came up several times, and continued long after Elo completed the condition of her resurrection, thus no longer being beholden to Kurtulmak, and even after her kobolds rejected Kurtulmak and embraced Bahamut, thus becoming aubolds. I think at one point Felix suggested that some of our problems could be solved by, in essence, making a new organised religion around Elowyn. This was swiftly vetoed as soon as it became apparent what he was suggesting. He also liked to emphasis to new people that this Paladin was Extra Holy having Been Touched by Godhood. Which, while technically true, wasn't the help he thought it was. And there was the one time he accidently convinced a village of backwater hicks in the mountains that Elo was a minor deity, and no matter how she protested, they stuck to their guns in a '*wink wink* that's exactly what a minor deity would say' manner (Elo didn't help matters that session by using a cure disease spell to save a little girl's life).

Throughout the game Felix was backed up by some of the other party members, who were variously: confused; thought it might help the situation; wound me/ Elo up so it was funny.

Anyway, yes. That is the story of my feckless bloody party members trying to convince people that Elo was a god.

[movies-to-add-to-your-tbw]

Title: Peter Pan & Wendy

Rating: PG

Director: David Lowery

Cast: Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Jim Gaffigan, Joshua Blue Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, Yara Shahidi, Florence Bensberg, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, Noah Matthews Matofsky, Caelan Edie, Kelsey Yates, Skyler Yates, Diana Tsoy, Felix de Sousa

Release year: 2023

Genres: adventure, action, family, fantasy

Blurb: Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling adventure that will change her life forever.

[askouacrpads]

ASK ONCE UPON A CURSE is a canon divergent, ask based roleplay starting off at season one. Each week is two new episode, allowing characters to explore what happened between the scenes and after it ended, before the next one begins. We have plenty of canon faces still available, and original characters are encouraged!

Our members would love to see David Nolan, Aurora, Lost Boys, and new OC’s!

[lindsaywesker]

2020 Deaths

January

7: Neil Peart, 67, drummer, Rush

8: Buck Henry, 89, screenwriter (‘The Graduate’), director (‘Heaven Can Wait’)

17: Derek Fowlds, 82, actor (‘Yes, Minister’)

19: Jimmy Heath, 93, jazz saxophonist, The Heath Brothers

19: Robert Parker, 89, R&B singer (‘Barefootin’’)

21: Terry Jones, 77, comic actor, screenwriter, film director (‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’)

28: Nicholas Parsons, 96, actor, radio and TV presenter

February

1: Andy Gill, 64, guitarist, Gang Of Four

5: Kirk Douglas, 103, actor (‘Spartacus’, ‘Paths Of Glory’, ‘Seven Days In May’)

15: Caroline Flack, 40, TV and radio presenter

17: Andy Weatherall, 56, record producer and DJ

19: Pop Smoke, 20, rapper

24: Tom Watkins, 70, artist manager (Pet Shop Boys)

26: Kobe Bryant, 41, basketball player

March

4: Barbara Martin, 76, singer (The Supremes)

6: McCoy Tyner, 81, jazz pianist

8: Max von Sydow, 90, actor (‘Star Wars’, ‘Game Of Thrones’)

12: Pete Mitchell, 61, radio DJ and presenter (BBC Radio 2, Virgin Radio)

15: Roy Hudd, 83, actor and comedian

20: Kenny Rogers, 81, singer and songwriter (‘The Gambler’, ‘Islands In The Stream’)

22: Julie Felix, 81, folk singer

22: Eric Weissberg, 80, folk musician (‘Duelling Banjos’)

24: Manu Dibango, 86, saxophonist (‘Soul Makossa’)

26: Bill Martin, 81, songwriter (‘Puppet On A String’, ‘Congratulations’)

27: Bob Andy, 75, reggae singer (The Paragons, Bob & Marcia)

27: Delroy Washington, 67, reggae singer

30: Bill Withers, 81, singer (‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘Lean On Me’, ‘Lovely Day’)

April

1: Ronn Matlock, 72, singer and songwriter (‘Can’t Forget About You’)

2: Eddie Large, 78, comedian (Little & Large)

5: Honor Blackman, 94, actress (‘The Avangers’, ‘Goldfinger’)

6: James Drury, 85, actor (‘The Virginian’)

6: Onaje Allan Gumbs, 70, jazz pianist

7: John Prine, 73, singer and songwriter (‘Angel From Montgomery’)

10: Ceybil Jefferies, 57 or 58, house and dance music singer (‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’, ‘Love So Special’)

12: Peter Bonetti, 78, footballer

12: Tim Brooke-Taylor, 79, comedian (‘The Goodies’)

12: Sir Stirling Moss, 90, racing driver

15: Brian Dennehy, 81, actor (‘Cocoon’)

17: Norman Hunter, 76, footballer

20: Rohan O’Rahilly, 79, founder of Radio Caroline

24: Hamilton Bohannon, 78, percussionist, songwriter and record producer

28: Jill Gascoine, 83,  actress (‘The Gentle Touch’)

29: Trevor Cherry, 72, footballer

29: Stezo, 51, rapper

30: Sam Lloyd, 56, actor (‘Scrubs’)

May

2: Richie Cole, 72, jazz saxophonist (‘New York Afternoon’)

5: Sweet Pea Atkinson, 74, singer (Was (Not Was))

5: Millie Small, 72, singer (‘My Boy Lollipop’)

6: Florian Schneider, 73, musician (Kraftwerk)

7: Ty, 47, UK rapper

9: Little Richard, 87, singer, pianist and songwriter

10: John McKenzie, 65, bass player

10: Betty Wright, 66, singer (‘Clean Up Woman’)

11: Jerry Stiller, 92, actor (‘Seinfeld’, ‘The King Of Queens’)

15: Phil May, 75, singer (The Pretty Things)

15: Fred Willard, 86, actor (‘Best In Show’, ‘Modern Family’)

21: Bobby Digital, 59, Jamaican reggae producer

22: Mory Kante, 70, Guinean singer and kora player (‘Yeke Yeke’)

30: Michael Angelis, 76, actor (‘Boys From The Black Stuff’)

June

4: Rupert Hine, 72, musician and record producer

4: Steve Priest, 72, bass player and singer (The Sweet)

8: Bonnie Pointer, 69, singer (The Pointer Sisters)

18: Dame Vera Lynn, 103, singer

19: Sir Ian Holm, 88, actor (‘Alien’, ‘Chariots Of Fire’, ‘The Lord Of The Rings’)

26: Tami Lynn, 77 or 78, singer (‘I’m Gonna Run Away From You’)

29: Carl Reiner, 98, actor, film director and writer (‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’, ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘The Jerk’)

July

1: Sir Everton Weekes, 95, Bajan cricketer

2: Jacque Hylton, 57, beautiful girl and dear friend

5: Cleveland Eaton, 80, jazz bass player (‘Bama Boogie Woogie’)

6: Charlie Daniels, 83, singer, songwriter and musician (‘The Devil Went Down To Georgia’)

10: Jack Charlton, 85, footballer

10: Steve Sutherland, club and radio DJ

12: Kelly Preston, 57, actress (‘Jerry Maguire’, ‘Twins’)

17: John Lewis, 80, American civil rights leader and politician

19: Emitt Rhodes, 70, singer, songwriter and musician

21: Dobby Dobson, 78, Jamaican singer and producer

21: Annie Ross, 89, singer (Lambert, Hendricks & Ross)

25: Peter Green, 73, guitarist (Fleetwood Mac)

25: John Saxon, 83, actor (‘Enter The Dragon’)

26: Dame Olivia de Havilland, 104, actress (‘Gone With The Wind’)

27: Denise Johnson, 53, singer (Primal Scream)

29: Malik B, 47, rapper (The Roots)

31: Sir Alan Parker, 76, film director (‘Midnight Express’, ‘Mississippi Burning’)

August

1: Wilford Brimley, 85, actor (‘The Natural’, ‘Cocoon’)

5: FGB Duck, 26, rapper

6: Wayne Fontana, 74, singer (The Mindbenders)

11: Trini Lopez, 83, singer (‘If I Had A Hammer’) and actor (‘The Dirty Dozen’)

18: Ben Cross, 72, actor (‘Chariots Of Fire’)

22: D. J. Rogers, 72, soul singer

28: Chadwick Boseman, 43, actor (‘Black Panther’)

September

1: Erick Morillo, 49, record producer, label owner and DJ

2: Ian Mitchell, 62, bass player (Bay City Rollers)

6: Bruce Williamson, 50, singer (The Temptations)

9: Ronald Bell, 68, songwriter and musician (Kool And The Gang)

10: Dame Diana Rigg, 82, actress (‘The Avengers’, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, ‘Game Of Thrones’)

11: Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert, 77, reggae singer (Toots And The Maytals)

12: Edna Wright, 76, soul singer (Honey Cone)

16: Roy C, 81, soul singer (‘Shotgun Wedding’)

18: Pamela Hutchinson, 61, singer (The Emotions)

19: Lee Kerslake, 73, drummer (Uriah Heep)

21: Tommy DeVito, 92, singer (The Four Seasons)

29: Mac Davis, 78, soul singer (‘Baby, Don’t Get Hooked On Me’)

29: Helen Reddy, 78, singer (‘I Am Woman’, ‘Delta Dawn’)

30: Frank Windsor, 92, actor (‘Z Cars’, ‘Softly Softly’)

October

6: Bunny Lee, 79, Jamaican reggae producer

6: Johnny Nash, 80, singer and songwriter (‘I Can See Clearly Now’, ‘Tears On My Pillow’)

6: Eddie Van Halen, 65, guitarist and songwriter (Van Halen)

10: Dyan Birch, 71, singer (Kokomo, Arrival)

12: Saint Dog, 44, rapper

12: Conchata Ferrell, 77, actress (‘Two And A Half Men’)

14: Paul Matters, bass player (AC/DC)

15: Gordon Haskell, 74, singer, songwriter and musician (‘How Wonderful You Are’)

18: Jose Padilla, 64, record producer and DJ

19: Spencer Davis, 81, singer and guitarist (The Spencer Davis Group)

21: Frank Bough, 87, TV presenter (‘Grandstand’)

28: Bobby Ball, 76, comedian (Cannon & Ball)

30: Nobby Stiles, 78, footballer

31: Sir Sean Connery, 90, actor

November

2: John Sessions, 67, actor and comedian

4: Ken Hensley, 75, singer and songwriter (Uriah Heep)

5: Len Barry, 78, singer (‘1-2-3’)

5: Geoffrey Palmer, 93, actor (‘As Time Goes By’, ‘Butterflies’)

6: King Von, 26, rapper

8: Bones Hillman, 62, bass player (Midnight Oil)

11: Mo3, 28, rapper

14: Des O’Connor, 88, television presenter, comedian and singer

15: Ray Clemence, 72, footballer

18: Tony Hooper, 81, guitarist (The Strawbs)

25: Diego Maradona, 60, footballer

28: David Prowse, 85, actor (‘Star Wars’)

28: Lil Yase, 25, rapper

29: Papa Bouba Diop, 42, footballer

December

10: Dame Barbara Windsor, 83, actress

12: Charley Pride, 86, country singer

12: John le Carre, 89, author (‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’, ‘The Night Manager’)

14: Gerard Houllier, 73, football manager

15: Albert Griffiths, 74, Jamaican reggae musician (The Gladiators)

17: Jeremy Bulloch, 75, actor (‘Star Wars’)

21: K. T. Oslin, 78, country singer and songwriter

22: Stella Tennant, 50, supermodel

24: John Edrich MBE, 83, English cricketer

[onceuponaseriesrewatch]

Once Upon a Series Rewatch Press Release: 3x9 Save Henry

3x9 Save Henry

Synopsis: While Henry’s life hangs in the balance, the race is on to stop Pan from gaining full magical powers from the heart of the truest believer.  Meanwhile, in Storybrooke of the past, Regina decides to fill a void in her life and, with Mr. Gold’s help, sets out to adopt a baby.

Written by: Christine Boylan, Daniel T. Thomsen

Directed by: Andy Goddard

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White / Mary Margaret Blanchard); Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan); Lana Parilla (Evil Queen / Regina Mills); Josh Dallas (Prince Charming / David Nolan); Emilie de Ravin (Belle French); Colin O’Donoghue (Captain Killian ‘Hook’ Jones); Michael Raymond-James (Neal Cassidy); Jared Gilmore (Henry Mills); Robert Carlyle (Rumplestiltskin / Mr. Gold)

Guest Starring: David Anders (Dr. Whale); Beverley Elliott (Granny Lucas); Giancarlo Esposito (Sidney Glass); Robbie Kay (Peter Pan); Raphael Sbarge (Dr. Archie Hopper); Julian Christopher (adoption agent); Parker Croft (Felix); James Immekus (Michael Darling); Rose McIver (Tinker Bell); Freya Tingley (Wendy Darling); Jack di Blasio (Lost Boy #2); Darien Provost (Lost Boy #1; Lee Arenberg (Grumpy)

Save Henry airs March 17 at 8:00 pm

[watchingfairytales]

3.11 Going Home Press Release

THE RACE IS ON TO STOP PAN FROM ENACTING ANOTHER CURSE ON THE RESIDENTS OF STORYBROOKE, WHICH COULD END THE LIVES OF EVERYONE IN TOWN, ON THE WINTER FINALE OF ABC’S “ONCE UPON A TIME”

“Once Upon a Time” Returns with All New Episodes for its Spring Premiere on Sunday, March 9

“Going Home” - In the Winter Finale episode, the race is on to stop Pan from enacting another curse on the residents of Storybrooke, which could kill every living soul in town, on “Once Upon a Time,” SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Once Upon a Time” stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen/Regina, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David, Emilie de Ravin as Belle, Colin O'Donoghue as Hook, Michael Raymond-James as Baelfire/Neal Cassidy, Jared S. Gilmore as Henry Mills and Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold.

Guest starring are Lee Arenberg as Leroy/Grumpy, Keegan Connor-Tracy as Blue Fairy/Mother Superior, Tony Perez as valet, Raphael Sbarge as Archie Hopper/Jiminy Cricket, Beverley Elliott as Granny, David-Paul Grove as Doc, Gabe Khouth as Mr. Clark/Sneezy, Faustino Di Bauda as Sleepy, Jeffrey Kaiser as Dopey, Michael Coleman as Happy, Mig Macario as Bashful, Christopher Gauthier as Smee, Robbie Kay as Pan, Rose McIver as Tinker Bell, Stephen Lord as Malcolm, Evans Johnson as nun #1, Parker Croft as Felix, Dave Mathews as doctor and Joy Castro as nurse.

“Going Home” was written by Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz and directed by Ralph Hemecker.

[waha-no-baka]

John Hurt nous a quitté...., vu sur Akihabara no Sasayaki http://ift.tt/2jLxXD9 John Hurt nous a quitté....Il restera pour moi le plus grand des Doctor.... # Bloc TechniqueNom de Naissance : John Vincent HurtDate de naissance : 22 janvier 1940Lieu de naissance : Chesterfield (Angleterre, Royaume-Uni)Date de décès: 25 janvier 2017 (à 77 ans)Lieu de décès: Cromer (Angleterre, Royaume-Uni)Profession : Acteur # Biographie (d'après wikipedia) John Hurt est le fils du vicaire anglican Arnold Herbert Hurt et de Phyllis Massey, ingénieur et comédienne amateur. Cantonné au début de sa carrière aux seconds rôles (Max dans Midnight Express ou G.W. Kane dans Alien, le huitième passager), il accède à la célébrité en incarnant John Merrick dans le film Elephant Man, qui lui vaut une nomination à l'Oscar du meilleur acteur en 1981 et le BAFTA Award du meilleur acteur dans un rôle principal, et à la télévision celui de Caligula dans la série Moi Claude empereur. Il a été également le conteur d'histoire dans la série Monstres et Merveilles qui est adaptée de légendes celtiques, russes ou encore allemande, en 1987. Il incarne notamment Billy Irvine dans La Porte du paradis (Heaven's Gate), Winston Smith dans 1984, le dictateur Adam Sutler dans V pour Vendetta et Monsieur Ollivander dans Harry Potter à l'École des Sorciers, rôle qu'il reprendra en 2010 dans Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort. En 2013, pour les 50 ans de la célèbre série télévisée britannique de science-fiction, Doctor Who, John Hurt joue une incarnation du Docteur surnommé The War Doctor (le « Docteur de la Guerre »). John Hurt a été anobli par la reine d'Angleterre en fin d'année 2014. Il annonce, le 16 juin 2015, qu'il est atteint d'un cancer du pancréas. Il meurt le 25 janvier 2017 à l'âge de 77 ans à Cromer . # Filmographie (d'après wikipedia) Cinéma 1962 : The Wild and the Willing de Ralph Thomas : Phil Corbett 1964 : This Is My Street de Sidney Hayers : Charlie 1966 : Un homme pour l'éternité (A Man for All Seasons) de Fred Zinnemann : Rich 1967 : Le Marin de Gibraltar (The Sailor from Gibraltar) de Tony Richardson : John 1969 : Davey des grands chemins (Sinful Davey) de John Huston : Davey Haggart 1969 : Avant que vienne l'hiver (Before Winter Comes) de J. Lee Thompson : le lieutenant Pilkington 1969 : À la recherche de Grégory, de Peter Wood : Daniel 1971 : Mr. Forbush and the Penguins (en) de Arne Sucksdorff, Alfred Viola et Roy Boulting : Richard Forbush 1971 : L'Étrangleur de la place Rillington (10 Rillington Place) de Richard Fleischer : Timothy John Evans 1972 : Le Joueur de flûte (The Pied Piper) de Jacques Demy : Franz 1974 : Little Malcolm de Stuart Cooper : Malcolm Scrawdyke 1975 : The Ghoul de Freddie Francis : Tom Rawlings 1976 : La linea del fiume de Aldo Scavarda : Chandler 1977 : Three Dangerous Ladies, segment The Island de Robert Fuest : le lieutenant Simmonds 1977 : East of Elephant Rock de Don Boyd : Nash 1977 : The Disappearance de Stuart Cooper : Atkinson 1978 : Le Cri du sorcier (The Shout) de Jerzy Skolimowski : Anthony Fielding 1978 : Midnight Express de Alan Parker : Max. 1978 : La Folle Escapade (Watership Down) de Martin Rosen : Hazel (voix). 1978 : Le Seigneur des anneaux (J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings) de Ralph Bakshi : Aragorn (voix) 1979 : Alien, le huitième passager (Alien) de Ridley Scott : Kane 1980 : Elephant Man de David Lynch : John Merrick 1980 : La Porte du paradis (Heaven's Gate) de Michael Cimino : Billy Irvine 1981 : La Folle Histoire du monde (History of the World: Part I) de Mel Brooks : Jésus-Christ 1982 : La Nuit de l'évasion (Night Crossing) de Delbert Mann : Peter Strelzyk 1982 : Partners de James Burrows : Kerwin 1982 : The Plague Dogs de Martin Rosen : Snitter (voix) 1983 : Osterman week-end (The Osterman Weekend) de Sam Peckinpah : Lawrence Fassett 1984 : Champions de John Irvin : Bob Irvin 1984 : Le Succès à tout prix (Success Is the Best Revenge) de Jerzy Skolimowski : Dino Montecurva 1984 : The Hit : Le tueur était presque parfait (The Hit) de Stephen Frears : Braddock 1984 : 1984 de Michael Radford : Winston Smith 1985 : After Darkness de Sergio Guerraz et Dominique Othenin-Girard : Peter Hunningford 1985 : Taram et le Chaudron magique (The Black Cauldron) de Ted Berman et Richard Rich : le Seigneur des Ténèbres (voix) 1986 : Jake Speed d'Andrew Lane : Sid 1987 : Rocinante d'Ann Guedes et Eduardo Guedes : Bill 1987 : The Hunting of the Snark de Mike Batt : Narrateur 1987 : Sur la route de Nairobi (White Mischief) de Michael Radford : Gilbert Colvile 1987 : From the Hip de Bob Clark : Douglas Benoit 1987 : Un sketch (Aria), segment I pagliacci de Bill Bryden : l'acteur 1987 : La Folle Histoire de l'espace (Spaceballs) de Mel Brooks : le lieutenant Kane de Alien 1988 : La Nuit bengali de Nicolas Klotz : Lucien Metz 1989 : Little Sweetheart de Anthony Simmons : Robert Burger 1989 : Scandal de Michael Caton-Jones : Stephen Ward 1990 : Romeo.Juliet de Armondo Linus Acosta : Mercutio 1990 : Windprints de David Wicht : Charles Rutherford 1990 : The Field de Jim Sheridan : The « Bird » O'Donnell 1990 : La Résurrection de Frankenstein (Frankenstein Unbound) de Roger Corman : Dr Joe Buchanan / Narrateur 1991 : I Dreamt I Woke Up de John Boorman : l’alter ego de Boorman Alter Ego 1991 : King Ralph de David S. Ward : lord Percival Graves 1992 : Lapse of Memory de Patrick Dewolf : Conrad Farmer 1992 : L'Œil qui ment de Raoul Ruiz : Anthony / le Marquis 1993 : Kölcsönkapott idö de István Poór : Sean 1993 : Monolithe de John Eyres : Villano 1993 : Even Cowgirls Get the Blues de Gus Van Sant : la comtesse 1994 : Poucelina (Thumbelina)) de Don Bluth : Mr Mole (voix) 1994 : Second Best de Chris Menges : oncle Turpin 1994 : Rabbit Ears: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp (vidéo) : le conteur 1995 : Two Nudes Bathing de John Boorman : marquis de Prey 1995 : Saigon Baby de David Attwood : Jack Lee 1995 : Rob Roy de Michael Caton-Jones : Montrose 1995 : Dead Man de Jim Jarmusch : John Scholfield 1995 : Wild Bill de Walter Hill : Charley Prince 1997 : Amour et mort à Long Island (Love and Death on Long Island) de Richard Kwietniowski : Giles De'Ath 1997 : Contact de Robert Zemeckis : S.R. Hadden 1997 : Brute, de Maciej Dejczer : Babits 1997 : Tender Loving Care (vidéo) : Dr Turner 1998 : The Commissioner de George Sluizer : James Morton 1998 : The Climb de Bob Swaim : Chuck Langer 1998 : Night Train de John Lynch : Michael Poole 1998 : All the Little Animals de Jeremy Thomas : Mr. Summers 1999 : New Blood de Michael Hurst : Alan White 1999 : Le Château des singes de Jean-François Laguionie : Sebastian (voix) 1999 : If... Dog... Rabbit... de Matthew Modine : Sean Cooper 1999 : You're Dead... de Andy Hurst : Maitland 2000 : Les Aventures de Tigrou (The Tigger Movie) de Jun Falkenstein : Narrateur (voix) 2000 : Les Âmes perdues (Lost Souls) de Janusz Kamiński : Père Lareaux 2001 : Tabloid de David Blair : Vince 2001 : Capitaine Corelli (Captain Corelli's Mandolin) de John Madden : Dr Iannis 2001 : Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) de Chris Columbus : Mr. Ollivander 2002 : Miranda de Marc Munden : Christian 2002 : Crime and Punishment de Menahem Golan : Porfiry, l'enquêteur en chef 2003 : Mister Cash de Richard Kwietniowski : Victor Foss 2003 : Meeting Che Guevara and the Man from Maybury Hill, court-métrage de Anthony Byrne : l'homme de Maybury Hill 2003 : Dogville de Lars von Trier : Narrateur 2004 : Hellboy de Guillermo del Toro : Professeur Trevor « Broom » Bruttenholm 2005 : Short Order de Anthony Byrne : Felix 2005 : Vaillant, pigeon de combat ! (Valiant) de Gary Chapman : Felix (voix) 2005 : The Proposition de John Hillcoat : Jellon Lamb 2005 : Shooting Dogs de Michael Caton-Jones : Christopher 2005 : Manderlay de Lars von Trier : Narrateur (voix) 2005 : La Porte des secrets (The Skeleton Key) de Iain Softley : Ben Devereaux 2006 : V pour Vendetta (V for Vendetta) de James McTeigue : Adam Sutler 2006 : Le Parfum, histoire d'un meurtrier (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) de Tom Tykwer : Narrateur 2007 : Boxes de Jane Birkin : le père de Fanny 2008 : Crimes à Oxford (The Oxford Murders) de Álex de la Iglesia : Arthur Seldom 2008 : Indiana Jones et le Royaume du crâne de cristal (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) de Steven Spielberg : professeur « Ox » Oxley 2008 : Outlander : Le Dernier Viking (Outlander) de Howard McCain : Rothgar 2008 : Hellboy 2 : Les Légions d'or maudites (Hellboy II: The Golden Army) de Guillermo del Toro : professeur Trevor « Broom » Bruttenholm 2008 : Lezione 21 d'Alessandro Baricco : Mondrian Kilroy 2009 : New York, I Love You : Bellhop 2009 : An Englishman in New York de Richard Laxton : Quentin Crisp 2009 : The Limits of Control de Jim Jarmusch : Guitar 2009 : 44 Inch Chest de Malcom Venville : le vieil homme aux cacahuètes 2010 : Lou de Belinda Chayko : Doyle 2010 : Brighton Rock de Rowan Joffé : Phil Corkery 2010 : Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort, partie 1 (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1) de David Yates : Mr. Ollivander 2010 : Love at First Sight de Michael Davies : Arthur 2010 : Ultramarines (Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie) de Martyn Pick : Carnak 2011 : Regret Not Speaking de Richard Kwietniowski 2011 : Melancholia de Lars von Trier : Dexter 2011 : Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort, partie 2 (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2) de David Yates : Mr. Ollivander 2011 : Les Immortels de Tarsem Singh : Zeus vieux 2012 : La Taupe (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) de Tomas Alfredson 2012 : Jayne Mansfield's Car de Billy Bob Thornton 2013 : Le Transperceneige (설국열차) de Bong Joon-ho : Gilliam 2013 : Only Lovers Left Alive de Jim Jarmusch : Marlowe 2014 : Hercule (Hercules) de Brett Ratner : Cotys 2016 : Jackie de Pablo Larraín : le père Richard McSorley 2016 : The Journey de Nick Hamm : Harry Patterson 2016 : ChickList de Tony Britten : Francis Bonar 2016 : The Good Night d'Eric Styles : Ralph 2016 : Damascus Cover de Daniel Zelik Berk : Miki 2017 : My name is Lenny de Ron Scalpello : Leslie Salmon 2017 : Darkest Hour de Joe Wright : Neville Chamberlain 2017 : Back To Utopia de Fabio Wuytack: Peter Panludic (voice over)Séries 1961-1962 : Probation Officer : Johnny Seton / Norman Bailey 1961-1963 : Drama 61-67 : Private Briggs / Tom 1962 : Z Cars : James Hogan 1963 : Once Aboard the Lugger : Jobey Todd 1963-1964 : First Night : Desmond / Garry 1964-1965 : ITV Play of the Week : Dave / Terry 1964 : Armchair Theatre 1964 : Love Story : Harry Eddows 1964 : Gideon's Way : Freddy Tinsdale 1964 : Thursday Theatre : Orpheus 1967 : ITV Playhouse : Guy 1971 : ITV Saturday Night Theatre : Bob 1973 : Wessex Tales : Joshua Harlborough 1976 : Shades of Greene : Fred 1976 : Play for Today : Alec Cassell 1976 : Regan : Tony Grey 1976 : Moi Claude empereur (I, Claudius) : Caligula 1979 : Crime et Châtiment : Raskolnikov 1988 : Monstres et Merveilles : narrateur 1991 : Red Fox : Archie Carpenter 1991 : Screenplay : Alfred 1994 : Picture Windows : Comte 1999-2000 : Watership Down : le général Woundwort 2004-2006 : The Alan Clark Diaries : Alan Clark 2008-2012 : Merlin : le Grand Dragon, voix originale du Dragon, et la phrase d'introduction au début de chaque épisode 2011 : The Confession, web-série : le prêtre 2012 : Labyrinthe : Audric Baillard 2013 : Doctor Who : The War Doctor 2015 : Panthers de Johan Renck : Tom # Distinctions (d'après wikipedia) Récompenses Golden Globes 1979 : Meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame biographique pour Midnight Express (1978). BAFTA 1979 : Meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame biographique pour Midnight Express (1978). Festival international du film de femmes de Salé 2011 : Prix d'interprétation masculine dans un drame pour Lou (2010). Evening Standard British Film Awards 2012 : Alexander Walker Special AwardNominations 1972 : BAFTA Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame biographique pour L'Étrangleur de la place Rillington (1971). 1979 : Oscar du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle pour Midnight Express (1978). 1980 : BAFTA Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un film de science-fiction pour Alien, le huitième passager (1979). 1981 : Golden Globes du meilleur acteur dans un drame pour Elephant Man (1980). 1981 : Oscar du meilleur acteur pour Elephant Man (1980). 1991 : BAFTA Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame pour The Field (1990). 1998 : Boston Society of Film Critics Awards du meilleur acteur dans une comédie dramatique pour Amour et mort à Long Island (1997). 1998 : Online Film & Television Association du meilleur acteur dans une comédie dramatique pour Amour et mort à Long Island (1997). 1999 : British Independent Film Awards du meilleur acteur dans une comédie dramatique pour Amour et mort à Long Island (1997). 2005 : Fangoria Chainsaw Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un film fantastique pour Hellboy (2004). 2005 : Australian Film Institute du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame pour The Proposition (2005). 2010 : London Critics Circle Film Awards du meilleur acteur de l'année dans un second rôle dans un drame pour 44 Inch Chest (2009). 2010 : San Diego Film Critics Society Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame pour 44 Inch Chest (2009). 2010 : BAFTA Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame pour An Englishman in New York (2009). 2012 : Bodil Awards du meilleur acteur dans un second rôle dans un drame pour Melancholia (2011). Tags : #personnalité #John-Hurt #Acteur #Hercule #Alie #Elephant-Man #1984 #Harry-Potter #V-pour-Vendetta #Indiana-Jones #Doctor-Who http://ift.tt/2kD0QCp

[aquadestinyswriting]

How It Ends

Summary: Meredith can finally start to think about what happened right before the final battle against Ionah once the mother-in-law from the hells is Banished to the Pit.

Words: 705

Warnings: off-screen character death, grief, trauma.

Tags: @flashfictionfridayofficial, @druidx, @sparrow-orion-writes , @warriorbookworm, @mariahwritesstuff, @writeblrsupport, @ashirisu, @thesorcerersapprentice, @blind-the-winds, @philosophika

Note: this is another one based on events that happened during a d&d campaign session and is a dramatised version of what happened.

It was finally over. Ionah had finally been Banished to the deepest level of the Pit that I could manage to get her to and she wasn’t coming back. At least not for as long as I lived at any rate. 

My heart squeezes painfully as Elowyn looks over to me,

“That… thing she did with the symbol. What was that?” She asks quietly. I take in a shuddering breath, not wanting to acknowledge what that velskvinne had done as my already shattered heart broke further. I hate the way my voice cracks when I finally reply,

“That was – That was a connection to – to him.” I reply softly, not daring to look up at the literally angelic features of the woman kneeling next to me. I flinch a little as Elowyn’s Polymorphed form shuffles closer,

“And is he alive?” She pressed. As much as I know I can be vulnerable in front of her, I can’t bring myself to break. Not entirely. It’s probably because she’s so tall at the moment. The form isn’t right for the voice that comes with it. I close my eyes and shake my head. 

“I don’t – I don’t know.” I reply, my voice cracking some more as the reality of what happened at the beginning of the fight finally hits. I know I’m trying to deny it, hoping that somehow not seeing Yoruk die in front of me means he might still be alive somehow. The walls I was trying to hastily build up around my heart crumble as Elowyn reaches out and pulls me into a tight hug. I collapse into the warmth radiating from this angelic form, holding onto it as tightly as I can manage as my world finally shatters.

“You know that I would go back and beat her in the Pit a second time if it would bring him back.” Elowyn murmurs. The feathers of her borrowed wings tickle at my nose, but I pay it no mind as I try, and fail, to compose myself. It didn’t matter now that Ionah was gone. She’d got what she wanted. Yoruk was gone. Forever. His soul was obliterated, and not even a True Resurrection was bringing him back. We’d been married all of four months and now I was a widow.

I suddenly feel a smaller hand, brimming with arcane power, gently land on my shoulder. I jerk my head up and look over said shoulder, only to come face to face with a smiling Felix. The symbol on the back of his hand flares from blue-purple to white as he speaks,

“I Wish for all things to be well with you and all those you love.” he says, voice quiet and calm. His smile widens as a pulse of arcane magic washes over the three of us and out across the shoreline of Celestia. My breath catches in my throat as I feel the magical weave react to the gnome's desire. A Greater Wish. A spell so powerful it could reshape the very fabric of reality. And Felix was using this power to…

I immediately let go of Elowyn and grab Felix into the tightest hug I can manage, sobbing and hiccoughing into his shoulder,

“Thank you.” I finally choke out, relaxing my grip a little so my gnomosh friend could breathe. I feel Felix shake his head and pat me on the back,

“Well I know what it means to have a true love.” he murmurs, “And I know that you’d do the same for me if you could.” he adds softly. Of course. Had our situations been reversed, I would have done everything in my power to bring Dwena back for him and Felix is exactly the kind of person to put the needs of his friends above his own. I give Felix another squeeze and let him go, wiping my eyes on the sleeves of my vestments. Now that things have been set right, I can return to the Material Plane with my head held high. Well, there was one last awkward conversation to have to finally end this chapter of my journey, but first I’ll need to have words with Snotgrut about dropping the Polymorph he put on Elowyn…

[aquadestinyswriting]

Role Reversal

Summary: Set in a vague time around 2-3 years after the end of the campaign. Meredith has to resort to desperate measures to escape a group of bounty hunters.

Words: 1,033

Warnings: some mild fantasy violence, otherwise harmless fluff is fluffy.

Notes: Merri gave up correcting people with regards to her relationship with Elowyn. The bards were a bit too effective with their songs to bother. Also, let's assume Auri is off visiting her family at this point, hence the lack of a very angry dragon.

tags: @druidx, @strosmkai-rum, @homesteadchronicles, @warriorbookworm

Meredith swore loudly at the wall at the end of the supposed side street she’d just run down. OK, so her sense of Toreguarde’s geography was way off, now how to get out of here and back towards help? Moradin’s High Inquisitor turned awkwardly, trying not to catch the unconscious woman in her arms on the walls of the alley. A group of tall, hooded figures blocked the entrance,

“There you are.” one of them growled, “Looks like we got you and your girlfriend cornered , so why don’t you hand yourself over and maybe we’ll call someone to take care of her?” Meredith snorted, gently placing Elowyn on the ground behind her and drawing her mace,

“No’ bloody likely.” she growled, “D’ye ken how much grief I’d get if I did that? An’ no’ just from her either.” The apparent leader of this particular gang of thugs chuckled darkly,

“Have it your way. Harykk!” he called. Another figure stepped forward, muttered an incantation and threw his hands forward, a fireball launching towards the two women. Meredith pulled out her holy symbol and shoved it in front of her with a snarl. A shockwave of divine energy shot out from the glowing necklace, neatly dividing the fireball in two and unmaking the spell mere feet from its target. Meredith glared at the sorcerer who had been haranguing her and Elowyn for most of the afternoon, not even flinching as the embers of the fireball wafted past her head. A lance of pain shot through her temple, a painful reminder that she was running on magical fumes. Another figure stepped forward, twisting his arms and wordlessly tossing another spell at the dwarf. Meredith quickly brought her holy symbol to her chest and prayed. The magical missiles bounced off the shield that suddenly surrounded the woman. Meredith panted, sweat now beginning to drip down her nose. Where in the Pit were Snotgrut and Yoruk? While there weren’t any timekeepers around, surely it was well past the time that the four of them were to meet up again. 

“You can’t keep that up forever. Give up.” the gang leader jeered. Meredith grunted as another barrage of magic assaulted her shield spell. She needed to incapacitate these guys, and quickly. At least she’d managed to get a Sanctuary on Elowyn. Dim memories of being caught in an alleyway with goblins either side came back to the cleric. It was probably a monumentally stupid move, but why fix a plan that had never been broken? 

The gang leader shook his head and held up his hand to stop his fellows from casting, sending an annoyed glare at the dwarven woman when he saw that she was still standing, resolute and defiant. He also noticed that she was breathing heavily and was sweating profusely. He smiled,

“Last chance.” he called, “Contract was to bring you in alive. But if you’re gonna be stubborn about it…” He gestured to someone on a rooftop above him. Meredith snarled and swung her mace, gathering up as much divine power as Moradin was willing to grant. She cocked her head as she heard a muffled thump from the rooftop on her right and smiled,

“How about I help even the odds a bit for my friend up there.” she retorted, quickly muttering a prayer and cast. Meredith hissed as she felt fire course through her body with the action and closed her eyes as a wave of dizziness and nausea quickly followed suit. The sensations felt vaguely familiar, she noted, dimly aware of the yelled swearing as the mass Blindness and Deafness spell took effect on her assailants. The last thing she was aware of was the sound of dwarven and gnomish warcries before unconsciousness finally claimed her the moment she hit the floor.

~*~

Edwin heaved a sigh, running a hand through his hair as he finished casting a Heal into the prone dwarf below him,

“I swear on the Garden, it must be a curse on the women of this family to continuously over-exert themselves like this.” he muttered. Elowyn gave her uncle a guilty glance, her hands still running fretfully through Meredith’s hair, while Yoruk stroked her hand,

“Thanks Uncle Edwin.” she said quietly, “I know this is getting old.” 

“Least it’s only the…what is it… second time I’ve done this to myself?” Meredith groaned, blue eyes fluttering open to gaze first into green, then amber. Elowyn suppressed the urge to laugh as Felix piped up from a seat next to the window,

“What about the time you fell over after sealing up the Hellmouth? Or the time you ressed Deep Sachellas? Oh, or what about the time-?” 

“Thank you, Felix.” Meredith ground out as Elowyn finally gave into a chuckle,

“Sorry Merri, love, you’re just as bad as the rest of us I’m afraid.” she said. “At least we’re not nearly as dramatic about it as Auntie Selene?” 

“No, you’re worse.” Edwin stated flatly, “At least Selene has the sense to, mostly, avoid heroic last stands.” Meredith pulled herself up and huffed a sigh,

“I think paladins, in general, seem to think it’s some sort o’ requirement.” she groused, glaring at both her cridhe-dàime and her husband.

“Then they’re clearly a terrible influence because they’re obviously rubbing off on you.” Felix chirped, effortlessly dodging the pillow that was thrown in his direction without even looking up from his darning. Meredith huffed moodily and looked around the rest of the room she ow found herself in,

“I take it Snotgrut’s ‘having words’ with our assailants?” she asked. Elowyn nodded,

“Yeah, he was pretty upset that there’s yet another bounty out on your head that he didn’t know about. I’m not sure if he was offended that there wasn’t one out for me on my behalf.” she said. Yoruk snorted, his armour clanking as he crossed his arms,

“I’d rather there weren’t any bounties out fer either of ye.” he sniped, “As it is, ye’re lucky we showed up when we did.” Meredith smiled and cupped her husband’s cheek,

“I ken, love.” she turned to Elowyn, “Sorry, hen, but I dinna think we’re gonna be getting any time to ourselves for a bit.” 

[aquadestinyswriting]

☀️ Sun - Who is your most cheerful and positive character? Why are they like that?

Thank you for the ask :D.

The most cheerful and positive character in the setting, in general, is definitely Felix. He's such a ray of sunshine it's almost scary and/or sickening at times (depending on the context). However, since Felix is a former Player Character from the roleplay all my writing is basd on, I won't pretend to claim him as mine.

One I can claim, however, is Dwena, Felix's partner and the head of security for the wizard's tower in Toreguarde. Technically I adopted Dwena from the original GM, but I have done most of the character development for her.

Like Felix, Dwena is a ray of sunshine in most peoples' lives. She's upbeat, gregarious and prefers to meet everyone around her with a smile. This, creepily, also means she will greet her enemies with the same smile and sunny disposotion at first. Until they make her mad. She will always be the first to offer encouragement and solutions, and is happy to be a listening ear for rants about everything under the sun.

It's so rare to see Dwena in a bad mood, that it's become something of an urban legend in the tower that Glittergold Blessed or Cursed her somehow (which one depends on the person telling the story). Dwena genuinely loves this, and quite often plays into it when she's in earshot of that particular rumour.

[aquadestinyswriting]

Land of Eternal Summer

Summary: Snotgrut has convinced his friends to come with him on an errand off-plane. The only problem is, he didn't bother telling anyone exactly which plane they were visiting in an attempt to give people a pleasant surprise.

Words: 857

Tags: @druidx @homesteadchronicles @flashfictionfridayofficial @asher-orion-writes,@warriorbookworm, @odysseywritings, @blind-the-winds, @thesorcerersapprentice

Warnings: None

Notes: Set in a vague time period around 5-7 years post DNS. 'Arry couldn't get time off :(.

Sunshine filtered through the canopy of the forest, dimly lighting the simple footpath that had been trodden through the undergrowth. A gentle and warm breeze wound its way around the eclectic group of people making their way through it towards the edges of a small village nestled snugly within the seemingly neverending forest.

"Remind me again why I've been dragged back to this godsdamned plane?" Meredith groused, readjusting the pack on her shoulder for the millionth time. Snotgrut's left ear twitched, but he didn't look back at the grumpy dwarven woman as he replied,

"You didn't ask where I was planning on going." He pointed out. The goblin briefly turned his head to frown in confusion at the cleric, "I'm not sure why you're so upset anyway. From what I heard, you guys are going to be very welcome here. Way more welcome than I was during my last visit anyway." 

Felix skipped ahead of the others until he fell in step beside his goblin friend,

"You'll be just as welcome as we are, Snotgrut." The gnome stated happily, beaming at his fellow Arcane Trickster, "The elves of Arborea have long memories and won't have forgotten what you did for them the last time you were here."

"Aye, that's the problem." Meredith grumbled, glancing over to Elowyn. Elowyn glanced back at her friend with a tight smile,

"If I'd known this is where Snotgrut's 'errand' was going to take us, I'd have happily stayed home with you." She sighed. The woodling glanced up at the sparkling spires of a temple to Deep Sachellas that had now come into view. Aurianna, who was currently riding on Elowyn's shoulder in kitten form, nuzzled into her neck with a reassuring purr,

"If we asked them nicely, I'm sure Felix and Snotgrut can create some sort of distraction if you get too overwhelmed and need an escape." The dragon-turned-kitten suggested. Elowyn scratched Aurianna behind an ear,

"They might end up creating one anyway." She pointed out, "You know as well as I do what usually happens when those two are in the same place for more than half an hour." Meredith snorted and smiled for the first time since arriving on the elven plane,

"Aye, well, you'd ken better than me." She said. Quentin suppressed his own snort,

"Why would you guys even need a distraction anyway?" He asked, "Well, I can think of why Elowyn might want one, but I'm not sure why you'd need one. Unless…" The elve's eyes narrowed as Meredith stayed quiet, an embarrassed flush spreading across her face under her beard. Elowyn, catching Quentin's expression out of the corner of her eye, immediately stepped in front of Meredith, as the dwarf's embarrassed expression dropped into one of outraged offence,

"Oh, Gods, no!" She exclaimed, "None of us had any time for that kind of activity. Well… 'Zeage might have, but definitely not the rest of us." She stated, her words coming out far more quickly than she intended. 

Felix and Snotgrut had stopped and turned to see what the commotion was about at this point and were staring at their three friends. Snotgrut with a look of befuddled confusion and Felix with a sudden look of understanding. The gomish man looked back towards the spires,

"Oh! I think I understand now. This is the same village we stayed in the first time we came here." Felix turned back to Snotgrut, "After Merri managed to use some God Clay to resurrect Deep Sachellas, the elves here were so grateful they pretty much declared her to be some sort of Living Saint." He explained. He looked back towards the path leading to the village, "I wonder if they finished that statue they were talking about making?" He murmured. 

Snotgrut blinked as Felix rattled off his one-sided conversation slash explanation. He had, of course, known about that particular incident. The gnome had told him all about it during their last visit to Arborea, after all. It just hadn't occurred to the goblin that Meredith might be embarrassed about it. He cocked his head as he considered what to do about it. Another warm breeze brushed over him, allowing some of the eternally summer sunshine to drop directly onto him. The goblin sighed and shook his head, 

"None of you have to come into the village, but I don't think any of you will be able to get food, drinks or beds out here." He called, pointedly ignoring Quentin's call of 'I'm pretty sure I can!', spinning smartly on his heel and marching up the footpath. Felix scrambled after him, grinning happily. Quentin shrugged and quickly strode off after the goblin and gnome.

Meredith grumbled, uncrossing her arms and gesturing for Elowyn and Aurianna to follow,

"We might as well get this over with." She groused. Elowyn sighed and nodded. The quicker they all got there, the quicker they could escape again.

The trees swayed in the strengthening wind. Just because it was eternally summer here didn't mean the weather was always pleasant. Especially this close to the coast. And especially when Deep Sachellas was done with his siblings' antics.

[aquadestinyswriting]

How Far We've Come

Summary: A quick look back at how all the main adventurers started their journeys in Destiny's New Servants to how they ended it.

Words: 936

Tags: @druidx @homesteadchronicles @flashfictionfridayofficial @asher-orion-writes,@warriorbookworm, @odysseywritings, @blind-the-winds, @thesorcerersapprentice,@writeblrcafe, @ashiru, @writeblrcafe

Warnings: None

Notes: These vignettes are quite short and I didn't include Aurianna or 'Arry as they're technically side characters. Thannan was also left out because he joined the group so late, he never got a chance to get much development (also... word count)

Celestia still resounded with the sounds of battle as the last of the demons and assorted gods of domains antithetical to the plane were pushed back to their homes. 

Standing on the edge of a small crater near the shore of the celestial sea were the heroes who had made such a victory possible. Each looked to the others, marvelling at what they had all managed to accomplish in the relatively short time they'd been working with one another. Each of them thought back over the journey they had been on, reflecting on the people they used to be and the heroes that they had become since.

Elowyn

Elowyn cast around frantically for a way to get above the crowd for a better view of what was going on. There were times that being a woodling was a detriment, and this was one of those times. She taps Alphonse’s leg,

“Let me get up there. I need to see what’s going on and try to get these people to calm down.” she tells him. Alphonse shrugs and allows the shorter woman to clamber onto her shoulders. As she starts to order people to evacuate in a more orderly manner, she spots, out of the corner of her eye, two hulking figures storming up the canal, throwing boats and barges to either side as they go.

~*~

Elowyn shook her head at Ionah’s words to her,

“Not naiive, just ever optimistic in some twisted sense. I can’t help but remember how things might have gone. I don’t know you well - I didn’t get a chance - but I know that, at some point, there was Goodness in you. Nobody is so far gone that they can’t come back, not even you.” Ionah laughed at her,

“I was damned a lang time ago. I just simply chose to embrace it.”

Elowyn could barely believe what she was hearing. She truly believed that no one was beyond saving at this point, but how could she get through to someone so broken?

Meredith

Meredith glowered at the ash that was the ghoul who had interrupted her quiet drink. She glances over to the watch officers who had caught the creature, who were having a heated discussion about the woodling going into the sewers alone. She motions to the pile of ash,

"Seein' as that one was headin' doon there, I might as well come with." She said, "There's never just the one, and ye'll want a cleric to help deal with them." She offered. 

~*~

Meredith breathed a sigh of relief as Elowyn coughed raspily and held out her hand,

“I’m so glad that’s so much nicer than the last time I died.” the currently polymorphed woodling wheezes. Meredith chuckles as she pulls her friend to her feet,

“Ye didn’t get any time, hen.” she quips, rounding on the the remaining demons with an angry snarl.

Felix

Felix wrapped his arms around his knees and hugged them tightly. If only he had been strong enough to actually cast anything useful, then maybe Elowyn wouldn't be…. The gnomish man choked back his sobs. Self pity wasn't going to get them anywhere, but what could he possibly do that would be helpful?

~*~

Felix stared at the ginormous pyroclastic dragon and the drakes flying in front of it. The gnomish sorcerer smiled slowly as he cast his spell and began to speak,

“No! You’re the one who should tremble, because I am YOUR DOOM!”

Harbinger reeled back, his scales cracking under the unexpected force projected from so small a creature. Felix's grin widened further as all three draconic creatures fell out of the sky.

Quentin

Quentin yelps in alarm as a sword point is almost driven through his midsection by the woodling woman he had been quietly trying to make his way past,

“Hey, hold on, I’m a friend!” he exclaims, only to receive an annoyed glare from the woman and several of her companions. He bows his head, keeping his arms raised,

“Apologies, an introduction is in order. Quentin Goldenrose, tracker and scout at your service.”

~*~

Quentin groans as his friends are regaled about stories of his youth by his sister,

“Seriously, why do you insist on doing this?” he asks plaintively. Elowyn shrugs as she takes another bite of food,

“It’s an older sibling thing.” she replies, “Just relax and enjoy this. We probably won’t get another chance to do it again for quite a while.” she points out. Quentin quirks an eyebrow at the woodling woman, but can’t find any fault with her assessment.

Snotgrut

Snotgrut frowns in confusion as Elowyn speaks to the goblins the group had captured the previous night. Second chances? What on earth would these idiots do with a second chance? He stays quiet, observing the situation. He doesn't quite understand what the woodling wants to happen, but it seems to be working… kind of. Maybe there's something to this 'mercy' thing.

~*~

Snotgrut hefted out the sword he'd acquired when he'd last visited Arborea. Now that the plainly evil half of him had been destroyed, it didn't seem right to hold onto it any more. The goblin glanced up at the blade and froze. It was glowing.

"Was it doing that before?" Felix asked innocently. Snotgrut whimpered,

"No." He replied, voice small, "It's never done that before." His ears drooped as he continued staring at the blade, the slow realisation of what the Emerald Dragon had 'gifted' him with finally sinking in.

The adventurers smiled at one another, they’d all come a long way. Now it was time to hang up their weapons and get some well deserved rest.

[aquadestinyswriting]

The Hand that Wields

Summary: Meredith has been asked to set up a Stone Spike ritual to help with catching someone who has been stirring up trouble between the humans and dwarves in Toreguarde. A brief chat with Moradin follows when she fails to spot the assassin still lurking on a nearby roof.

Note: First person pov because this was something that was fully roleplayed out at the time. Creative liberties have been taken because this was before we started recording sessions and I don't recall everything that was said or done. This takes place two days after 'Cracking the Anvil'

Words: 2,137

Warnings: major character death, implied blood mention

tags: @druidx, @homesteadchronicles, @warriorbookworm, @mariahwritesstuff, @asher-orion-writes, @blind-the-winds, @freedominique

The chaos of the last couple of days has taken its toll. I’m jumping at every last damn shadow, thinking it's one of those damn Brotherhood idiots who chased me from the temple of Moradin yesterday morning. I’m not entirely happy with Elowyn’s plan to find this Captain Calico person, but it’s the best one we have, and if it’ll get the Brotherhood off the backs of the other dwarves, then all the better. 

It’s a misty morning, and cold too. I’ve not worn my new vestments in yet and they’re just a touch too stiff for my liking. Not to mention I’ve not had my usual morning Bloc yet. Darius is even less awake than I am, moaning about how damn early it is. I just hope he’s compus mentus enough to keep an eye and ear out for trouble while I get this damn Stone Spike ritual started. I freeze as soon as I step just outside the door. The stiff and still bodies of the people who had taken up guard duty around the watchhouse the previous night litter the street. Dead. Every last one. Shot right through the heart. Darius gasps in horror as he comes up behind me,

“What in the…?” he whispers, trailing off with a gulp. I shove the teenaged human back into the door,

“Go on, we need to tell Elo-”

I never get to finish my sentence. I had just finished shoving Darius back inside, turning to follow him, when pain suddenly erupts in my chest. My ears start ringing and spots cloud my vision as I tip forward. So our assassin friend hadn’t left yet. That was a bit silly of me. I barely feel my body hit the cobbles, can’t hear what Darius has yelled over the rushing sound that’s overtaken everything. I try to take a breath to yell something back to him, but I can’t. Darkness seeps in from the edges of what vision I have left. An overwhelming tiredness sets in and I close my eyes, the last thing on my mind being what a pain in the arse getting bloodstains out of linen is.

~*~

I startle awake, suddenly aware that I’m no longer lying on cold, wet cobblestones. I shut my eyes again with a hiss. The light in here is too bright. Slowly, I blink them back open, pushing myself up. I frown as I take a bleary look at my surroundings. The chairs I was lying on are a construction made of some kind of treated wood and metal, neatly welded together into a long row against a wall. There’s a small wooden and glass table sitting about a foot in front of me, littered with some kind of glossy paper booklets. All of them have pictures of unfamiliar places and people on them and words in bright, bold letters stating ‘Yours’ and ‘Hello’ at the top. In a far corner, blinking erratically with some sort of magic, is a machine of some kind. The words ‘Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Soup’ are emblazoned across it. There are various buttons, a hatch and some strange cups attached to one side. Next to it is a half-constructed bar, wood piled up in another corner and the back of it shrouded in darkness that I can’t see through. Where in all Creation am I?

A warm breeze, bringing with it the smell of hops, iron and forgesmoke, gently wraps around me. I feel myself calm, the reminder of home and its comforts enough to ground me in a place that is so alien to me. I close my eyes to soak it in, then feel the presence of someone else sitting down next to me. The presence is powerful, but warm, inviting, comfortable and oh so familiar. My heart sinks as the realisation of where I am settles into my mind. I huff a weary sigh as I open my eyes and look over to see a familiar dwarven man wearing ornate full plate sitting next to me. He’s smiling at me under a glossy black beard, adorned with plaits and clasps. His eyes are creased as He looks at me, almost fit to burst with a kind of fatherly pride,

“Oh, ma daughter, ye’ve done so well.” He says, “Ye’ve no idea how proud I am that ye made it this far.” I smile up at Him, 

“Thank you, Lord, to hear ye say as much is deeply humbling.” I reply, “My only regret is that I ended up back in yer presence through my own carelessness.” Moradin shakes His head, clasps and other ornaments jangling at the motion,

“I can hardly call not noticing someone who didn’t want to be noticed careless.” He tells me, “Anyroad, that hardly matters. Ye’ve got a load of people in my hall that canna wait to see ye. They’ve been waiting a while.”  I consider His words, my heart lifting a little at the thought that he didn’t blame me for what had happened, but quickly sinking again as I realised that I hadn’t had a chance to say goodbye to my friends. Not to mention the fact that Darkhide was still on the loose and about to create even more havoc. And what about the problems the dwarven people living in Toreguarde were enduring with the Brotherhood? I couldn’t very well leave them to face whatever was coming without doing something about it. I slowly shake my head,

“I’m sorry, Lord, but I think they’ll need to wait a wee bit longer.” I tell Him, “I can’t, in good conscience, leave my friends to sort out everything going on by themselves. Darkhide is still a threat to everyone and everything I love.” Moradin’s expression softens as He lays a hand on my shoulder,

“And that’s why ye’re here in the Waiting Room and not already in my Hall enjoying yer well deserved rest.” He says. I’m not sure, but I think I saw a brief glint of regret in those bottomless eyes. He sighs and leans back in his seat, the wood and metal creaking in protest,

“Yer friends will probably want to get on with a Resurrection once they’ve dealt with the situation that got ye killed, and they remember that they’re in good standing with a priest that will be more than willing to do it for them.” Moradin says, adding on the latter part with a mutter. He returns His attention to me, “Normally this would mean ye’d lose a bit of power in exchange for the ability to return to the world of the livin’.” He strokes his beard, His great brow furrowing slightly, “I am, however, willin’ to return ye with all the power ye’ve gained intact, provided ye do a little something for me in return.” My heart leaps and I’m almost instantly on my knee in front of Him, head bowed,

“Whatever it is, name it.” I tell him. It doesn’t matter to me what my God wants me to do. The mere fact that He’s offering me an opportunity to carry on His work, to return to Elowyn- my friends- and to fix everything that’s gone so wrong is all that matters at this point. I feel the floor beneath me vibrate as He chuckles and the ring of metal on metal as He pats the seat next to him,

“No need fer all that, hen.” He chastises mildly, “I know who I’m dealing with.” I flush under my beard as I get back up and sit back down, looking and listening attentively while Moradin waves a hand in front of him,

“Right, so I’ve had a word with Wee Jas, and She’s agreed that Darkhide is a problem that needs to be dealt with.” Moradin fixes me with a look. It’s somewhere between pride, regret and something else that I can’t quite pinpoint. I keep quiet as He carries on, “Since Darkhide has gone so far, Wee Jas told me to tell you to bring Her his head.” I frown a little,

“Why me though?” I ask, “Or is it a case of the group in general?” Moradin shakes his head,

“No, lass. Wee Jas asked that you, specifically, do the deed if possible.” He says, “As to why it has to be you, She didn’t say. I rather get the feeling She thinks yer friends might not be up to outright killing the man, given the chance.” I look down at my hands. The Ruby Lady wasn’t wrong. Darius is so young that I doubt that he’s experienced severely hurting anyone, never mind killing them. Felix is very soft-hearted and might not be able to finish Darkhide off by himself. Elowyn is too constrained by the laws of her city and the various oaths and vows she’d likely personally take as a paladin of Justice. The only other person in our group that would outright kill Darkhide is Enezeage. But even then, he often looks to Elowyn for guidance and might well hesitate if he thinks that she might know better. While I might be reluctant to kill, there are crimes that cannot go unpunished, and there are people who are just too dangerous to be left alive. Darkhide couldn’t be contained to a cell for long, certainly not long enough to go through a full trial in the courts. My resolve hardened. I already knew Darkhide had to die in order to save Allansia from his dark schemes, having permission to do so from his erstwhile Goddess would at least save me from the headache of arguing with Elowyn about the necessity of doing so. I look up at Moradin and nod,

“I understand.” I say, “Do I need to actually bring his head anywhere or…?” I ask, suddenly aware that due to the nature of the way some Gods deal with the world that I would need some clarification. Moradin bites back a chuckle,

“No, just killing him will be enough for Her. I did ask afore She left.” I relax, one less thing to worry about then. A door creaks open on my left, a fine mist crawling in from the grey, bleak expanse on the other side. Moradin claps his hands on his knees and stands, towering over me,

“On ye go, lass, don’t want to keep yer friends waiting.” He says, gesturing to the door. I hop off my own seat, briefly turn and bow to my God, then dash out the door as fast as my legs will carry me.

~*~

The first thing I’m aware of is muffled voices, then slowly I’m aware of the hard, cold iron on my back and the soft light of glowstones above me. I groan, my head aches, but I squint my eyes open, only to have several faces try to crowd themselves around me. I wince as the relieved shouts and yells of my friends assault my ears,

“Will all of ye, shut it?!” I yelp, trying to not have the everything happening all at once overwhelm me. The faces retreat as Starhammer shoos everyone away,

“Right, you lot, give her some space. Right, welcome back to the world of the livin’ lass.” The old priest says, helping me sit up and shoving a tankard of beer into my hands in the same motion. I blink away the bleariness in my vision and look around at the relived expressions on my friends’ faces. Well, they’re almost all relieved. Enezeage, much like he did when Elowyn was Resurrected by the old kobold priest ages ago, simply snorts, nods and stays a respectable distance away. Darius and Felix are the first to assault me with hugs, one around my shoulders, the other around my waist, both sobbing loudly,

“I’m sorry! I should have gone first!”

“I was so worried you wouldn’t come back!” Starhammer huffs a sigh, drags the two boys off my body and plonks them down next to Enezeage. I finally manage to take a swig of the beer I was handed and look over to Elowyn. Hey eyes are red, but she’s smiling as she comes over and leans on the anvil I’m sitting on. Aurianna leaps off her shoulder and rubs against me, purring madly,

“Glad to know you wanted to come back.” she says, voice a little raw, “Don’t go scaring me- us- like that again.” she adds. I smirk back at her,

“I’ll bear that in mind the next time someone wants to shoot an arrow through my heart.” I retort. I look down at my vestments, ready to moan about how they’re basically brand new and already ruined when there’s a pounding on the front door of the temple. I suppose I’d better finish my beer before the world forces itself back on me again.

[druidx]

The Ring of Heroes

The Ring, or Circle, of Heroes is a series of 16 statues depicting past heroes of Toreguard. These heroes are:

Alexis Dalliance

Richard Tetherson

Hextor Francis

Dhur'Graz

Ivan Jägerson

Fai Lumidas

Edwin Goodwin

Selene Fridwake

Egrim Shiverstaff

Grizwald

Meridith Gruksdottir

Enezeag

Elowyn of Toreguard

Quentin Goldenrose

Felix Phileas 'Nosey' Parker-Tinker

Snotgrut

These statues ring the 3rd and inner circle of the city, standing at the edge of the defensive canal. Prior to a few years ago, there were only 10 of the 16 plinths filled, but with recent events that has been rectified. There has been talk of the council adding more plinths in anticipation of other heroes to protect us from world-shattering events, but if the rumours are true, it has yet to come to pass.

The statues are depicted in various states of rediment for battle, and stare protectively out over the city. The specific deeds which nominated a hero for inclusion in the Ring are recorded on a plaque at the statue's base. Needless to say, to catalog them here would take quite some time...

There have been many suggestions as to why the sculptors commissioned for these statues decided to depict the heroes as they have been. One suggestions was that in a time of need, they would be animated and used to defend the city, however recent events has shown that not to be the case. After all, why would Archmage Fridwake conjure shields when she could summon 12ft representatives of our heroes past?

[aquadestinyswriting]

WIP Series: Destiny's New Servants- Fangthane's Folly Edition

This is a masterpost of all the writing to do with the Destiny's New Servants campaign from Meredith's perspective as well as the side stories of things that happened 'offscreen'.

Genres- High Fantasy, drama, angst, new adult

Themes-  Corruption and abuse of power, Religious schisms and the politics involved, crisis of faith, racism and xenophobia, classism, growing up, good and evil, family (both biological and found)

Synopsis:  Fangthane has stood as the shining beacon of dwarven-kind upon Titan for millenia, but the aftermath of the Demon Wars ten years ago has left the city-state with wounds that have only barely begun to heal. Unfortunately, there are those both within and without that would see the mountain crumble. Relations with the city-state of Toreguarde have been fraught since the Drakemari Empire became involved in its construction, but things have been more or less amicable until recently. With the rise of the dread Necromancer, Darkhide, problems both old and new are threatening to ignite a war that Fangthane can barely cope with.

In the midst of all of this, a young cleric of Moradin must attempt to navigate the lies and treachery of her own people to uncover the truth at the centre of all this madness. Whether anyone wishes to listen to said truth… well that’s another matter entirely.

Main Characters

Meredith Gruksdottir: The young cleric in question. Sent to Toreguarde to permanently seal up the Hellmouth under the wizard's tower, now she needs to sort out fact from fiction before a schism tears her people apart.

Jotunn Ragnarsson: The High Priest of Moradin in Fangthane, who is trying to seek out the evil that has taken root within the mountain. All the while, navigating the delicate politics involved in preventing his people from going to war against Toreguarde.

Yoruk Copperheart: Meredith’s fiancé. He has recently returned from overseas, only to find things have gone horribly wrong in his absence.

Ionah Copperheart: Yoruk’s mother. Seeking to gain power by any means necessary.

Skarld Firetome: Recently elected Archlector. Has his own agenda, contradictory to the religion he claims to follow

Garl Grimbeard: Recently elected High Inquisitor. A slimy sort who, like Firetome, has his own agenda very much contradictory to the religion he claims to follow. Has a massive grudge against Meredith and her friends.

Side Characters

Elowyn O'Toreguarde: One of Meredith's travelling companions, and her closest friend and confidant. Started out as a rogue-trained officer of the Toreguarde Watch, has since been ordained as a paladin by the Powers That Be.

Aurianna Aurum Filiae: Elowyn's paladin mount. A young gold dragon that typically disguises herself as a small, golden kitten.

Felix Parker-Tinker: Another of Meredith's travelling companions. A gnome sorceror who likes to make undergarments after discovering a talent for it. Is extremely happy-go-lucky and never seems to get angry. This unnerves people.

Darius Wesker: Human sorceror, aged 16 years old, or thereabouts. Is basically Merri and Elowyn's baby brother during the time that he travels with them.

Quentin Goldenrose: Elf ranger with a cougar as an animal companion to start with. Is the party's tracker and scout. Loyal and steadfast, he likes to tease Meredith quite a bit.

Enezeage: Half Orc monk. Isn't too much taller than Felix and is broader than he is tall. The muscle of the group. He doesn't say much, but he lets his fists do most of the talking for him.

Olin Starhammer: High Priest of the Temple of Moradin in Toreguardde. Is basically Merri's honourary granddad.

Stories (in roughly chronological order)

The Adventure Begins

Fight or Flight AO3

An Unusual Discussion AO3

Puzzle of the Heart AO3

A Promise Kept AO3

How to Resurrect a God AO3

A Little Chat AO3

The Darkhide Arc

Slipping of the Mask AO3

Cracking the Anvil AO3

On The Edge AO3

The Hand That Wields AO3

Broken Soul AO3

Letting Go AO3

Fangthane's Folly

A Hero's Respite AO3

Where Secrets Lie AO3

Splitting the Anvil AO3

Keeping Faith AO3

Truth's Embers AO3

Fire Hollowed Souls AO3

Eye of the Storm AO3

An Solas as Gràdhaiche

The Anvil's Fall

The Anvil's Fall AO3

Trapped in the Dark AO3

Bitter Truths, Sweet Lies AO3

The End Game

Hell and Back AO3

End Game AO3/How it Ends AO3

A Long Overdue Conversation AO3

Tag list (dm for +/-): @druidx